Liverpool defender's international return plagued by misery in Italy loss

As the Premier League season takes a pause for the international break, it gives Liverpool fans the chance to see how Arne Slot's men will perform for their respective countries. 

Liverpool players have enjoyed a successful start to the international period. With Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo scoring for their respective countries, it seems the Reds are making their mark and the hope will be they continue this form when returning to domestic football next weekend.

However one defender may already be ready to return to Merseyside.

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Ibrahima Konate returned to France's starting XI in their Nations League clash against Italy. The 25-year-old found himself behind Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba in Didier Deschamps’ central defensive pecking order at this summer's Euros, failing to play a single minute.

However his Les Bleus return was clouded as the French side lost 3-1, despite going 1-0 ahead within the first minute.

The fixture against Italy was expected to be a challenging encounter for Deschamps’ side, given the Azzurri's tactical discipline. Italy, who are rebuilding after missing out on the 2022 World Cup, showed their resilience and ability to compete with Europe’s elite, with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori sealing the victory.

It will be a bitter pill to swallow for the defender, who has started the season so well after a difficult period during the end of Jurgen Klopp's tenure. That period was plagued with injury, which led to him being relegated to the bench, while emerging star Jarell Quansah took over at the heart of defence.

With his blend of pace, strength, and technical ability, Konaté was seen as one of the potential stars of France’s next generation. His composure on the ball and confidence in playing out from the back could still make him a real asset to Deschamps' side.