Liverpool took one ginormous step into the UEFA Champions League last eight with a 2-0 away victory over Inter Milan.
Despite not being at their fluent but for the most part, it was a European performance full of poise and pedigree in the San Siro.
Having struggled to get going in the second half, Jurgen Klopp rang the changes and soon after goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah changed the complex of the evening.
However, it was the performance of one man in particular that caught the eye of former Anfield favourite Jamie Carragher.
Great result for @LFC in the San Siro again & I thought @IbrahimaKonate_ was excellent! #InterLiverpool
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 16, 2022
The 22-year-old earned an impressive 7.50 Sofascore rating for a display containing clearance, four interceptions and two blocked shots.
Konate wasn’t the only centre-back to impress Carragher, as himself a former defender the pundit always has an eye for the arts.
Great result tonight #INTLIV but this was my highlight of the night @NoContextJMatip 👀😂😂 pic.twitter.com/d6r6Q8bIUP
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) February 16, 2022
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Another classic for No Context Joel Matip there!
At this stage of the competition, results are all that truly matter, performances are simply a bonus.
This result should prove to be all-important when the Serie A title holders arrive on Merseyside.
Konate was simply outstanding alongside Virgil van Dijk. The young Frenchman continues to produce elite-level showings when called upon despite a lack of regular game time.
One plot on the evening was the ankle ligament problem suffered by Diogo Jota. This weekend’s game again Norwich City may well come too soon for a return, but the Portuguese star will be desperate to be fit for the Carabao Cup final.
