News Focus
- Former Liverpool star John Arne Riise gives exclusive interview on French duo
- Riise claims Hugo Ekitike has been ‘amazing’ and possibly the Reds’ player of the season
- Ekitike set to miss FIFA World Cup through injury despite brilliant form
- Norwegian legend criticises Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistency at the back
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has heaped praise on Hugo Ekitike, suggesting the French forward has been the Merseyside club’s standout performer this campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Get French Football News, the ex-Norway international admitted he knew little about Ekitike before his switch to Anfield. However, Riise now believes the striker has exceeded all expectations and could have been Liverpool’s player of the season had injury not struck.
Ekitike faces heartbreak after picking up a knock that rules him out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup with France. Riise expressed sympathy for the forward, noting that football can be cruel when years of preparation end in disappointment through one unfortunate challenge.
The former left-back compared Ekitike’s situation to that of Alexander Isak, who was heavily linked with the Reds before the Frenchman’s arrival. Riise suggested that while supporters initially focused on the Isak rumours, Ekitike has since proven his worth and would have been pushing for a starting role in Didier Deschamps’ side.
Turning his attention to defensive partner Ibrahima Konaté, Riise offered a more mixed assessment. He acknowledged that when Konaté is at his best, he forms a dominant centre-back pairing with Virgil van Dijk. Yet the Norwegian criticised the French defender’s tendency to make costly errors during tight matches.
Riise advised Konaté to adopt a simpler approach when under pressure, urging him to clear his lines rather than risk dangerous passes. He noted that Liverpool supporters often hold their breath when the ball reaches the 23-year-old in crucial moments.
The ex-Red concluded that Konaté must develop greater concentration and consistency if he is to cement his status as one of the Premier League’s elite defenders alongside his Dutch teammate.