Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk comments on Ibrahima Konate's Instagram post ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup final
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk left a comment on teammate Ibrahima Konate's Instagram post ahead of the FIFA World Cup final tonight (December 18). Konate, 23, will be part of the France team that take on Argentina at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The Liverpool centre-back uploaded a post on his Instagram of himself in training, to which Van Dijk responded with two flame emojis.
The Dutchman appears to be cheering his Reds teammate on following the Netherlands' defeat to Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Van Dijk, 31, was on the losing side, as his Oranje side suffered a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to La Albiceleste in a feisty affair that saw 18 yellow cards. It's not known whether Konate will start against Argentina tonight.
Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps is set to deliberate on who should start among Konate, Dayot Upamecano and Raphael Varane. Konate started the side's 2-0 semifinal win over Morocco and has made four appearances in Qatar, helping keep a clean sheet.
Konate's Reds teammate Joel Matip heaped praise on the Frenchman ahead of World Cup final. Matip told Liverpool's official website:
"He's so young, and (he has) so much quality already. He's showed that now again with the national team – with an amazing team. He's shown the class he's got. He's self-confident, nice, and a really kind person."
Matip added:
"Especially (at) this age, it's amazing what he can do. He's strong in challenges, in the air, on the ground, the pace; (he's) comfortable with the ball – it's everything you need (as a defender)."
Konate's France are looking to become the first team in 60 years to win back-to-back World Cups.
Arthur Melo to remain at Liverpool beyond January, says agent
Arthur has endured a difficult time at Liverpool since joining the club on a season-long loan with a £30 million option-to-buy from Juventus in the summer.
The Brazilian midfielder has made just one appearance for the Reds and suffered a thigh injury requiring surgery. Arthur was ruled out of the FIFA World Cup, and his return date remains unknown.
Arthur Melo on Instagram. https://t.co/e4sgyDVP1c
He's set to remain on the sidelines for months, and speculation has grown over Arthur leaving Anfield before the end of his loan spell due to the injury. However, his agent Federico Pastorello told TuttoMercato:
"(He will) stay 100 per cent at Liverpool in January. It's an aspect that has never been under discussion. I don't know who questioned the rumours about his possible return to Turin, but that's not the case."
Liverpool (22) are sixth in the Premier League after 14 games, seven points off fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have played a game more.