Ibrahima Konate says he has no doubts that Hugo Ekitike will succeed at Liverpool, revealing the remarkable lengths his fellow Frenchman has gone to during his time at Anfield to become an international star.
Ekitike joined the Reds from Eintracht Frankfurt in July and was uncapped at senior level before his impressive form earned him a first call-up for France’s September internationals.
The striker has made a flying start to life on Merseyside, scoring six goals across all competitions for Arne Slot’s side – a run that has seen him quickly establish himself as Liverpool’s top scorer this season and earn recognition from Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus squad.
Speaking to Canal+, Reds defender Konate shared an anecdote that highlighted Ekitike’s determination to succeed both for club and country, backing his teammate to continue developing and flourish at the highest level.
“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.”
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