Since joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, he has been the partner of Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk in the final line.
His athleticism more than compensates for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive fragility, and he continues to contain opposing attacks in a wide range of areas.
The two were originally teammates at Leipzig and partnered in the back line in the Bundesliga.
Janusz Michallik, a Polish defender who represented the U.S. during his playing days, compared the two players who have been working hard for the French national team.
He said that the 24-year-old center back, who is currently playing for Liverpool, was superior to him while in Germany.
“Upamecano, I never felt that he was special. I remember the days in Leipzig where I always felt that Konate was a better player. Not that Konate’s doing unbelievable things at Liverpool, but I continue to think that way,”
ESPN
The French national team is an army of talent.With the likes of 22-year-old defender Willian Saliba, who has been outstanding for Arsenal, the competition for regular spots in the full national team is fierce.
The competition is not all about merit, as coaches have their own preferences, but the competition is as fierce as it has been in recent years.
Can the Liverpool defender become an absolute mainstay not only at club level but also in the national team?