Ibrahima Konate outlines Hugo Ekitike's determination to become a hit for both Liverpool and France with an anecdote about his Reds colleague
Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool applaud the fans
Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool applaud the fans
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Ibrahima Konate says he has no doubts Hugo Ekitike succeed at Liverpool, revealing the levels his fellow Frenchman has been willing to go to during his time at Anfield to become an international star.
Ekitike joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in July and was uncapped at national level prior to his form earning him a senior call-up for September's round of national fixtures.
Ekitike is Liverpool's top scorer this term, with the striker registering six across all competitions for Arne Slot's side and the start he has made on Merseyside has helped make him a Les Bleus international under Didier Deschamps.
Speaking to Canal+, Reds defender Konate revealed an anecdote that provided an insight into Ekitike's determination to make the grade for club and country and the centre-half has backed his team-mate to flourish over time.
"Once, I pulled his ears a little, but it was funny," Konate said. "We had to go to the gym after one of the training sessions and the intensity we put into training, it's true that it's very hard. And he was tired.
"I go to him and I tell him: 'Go ahead, we're going to the gym there'. And he told me: 'I'm knocked out here, I'm tired'. In fact, we don't have to go to the gym, but it's better to go, because we're like 'summoned'.
"I look at him and for two seconds, I don't talk to him. And I said to him: 'Do you want to go to the France team or not?' And then I leave (laughs). A minute later, he was in the dining room (ready to go the gym).
"The anecdote is a bit funny but afterwards, he quickly understood how it happened. In terms of work, he's someone who is very diligent and who will progress, I have no doubt about that."
Ekitike and Konate could both be involved when France entertain Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday evening.
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