Mbappe shares his verdict on Real Madrid’s new signing: ‘I love players like him in my team’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already secured one of the most important defensive additions of the summer, with Ibrahima Konate set to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu after agreeing a move from Liverpool.

The French international is expected to officially join Real Madrid once his World Cup commitments with France come to an end, after having reached a full agreement on a contract running until 2030.

While the transfer has generated excitement among Real Madrid fans, few endorsements carry more weight than the one recently delivered by Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe highlights Konate’s qualities

Speaking to L’Equipe, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo, the Real Madrid forward offered a detailed assessment of his international teammate, explaining why Konate is regarded as one of the most complete defenders in European football.

Konate has built a reputation as one of the toughest defenders to face in Europe.

Koante will play for Real Madrid next season. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Strong physically, dominant in duels and comfortable defending large spaces, the Frenchman has become a key figure for both Liverpool and the national team over the last few years.

Mbappe believes those qualities are exactly what separate him from many other centre-backs.

“He’s a very aggressive defender, in the best sense of the word. He never makes a bad move, he’s tough in the tackle. 

“He wants his man to feel he’s in for a rough night. I love defenders like him in my team.

“They’ve got grit, they’re tactically flexible because they’re capable of closing down their man as well as holding their own in one-on-one situations, winning duels and being tactically disciplined.”

Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild continues

Mbappe has praised Konate. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Konate’s arrival is another major step in Real Madrid’s ongoing defensive overhaul.

The Frenchman is expected to become part of a centre-back group that already includes Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen. 

Perhaps most importantly, Konate’s signing further strengthens a trend that has become increasingly noticeable at Real Madrid.

The club already relies heavily on several French internationals, with Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy all playing important roles within the squad.

Adding Konate to that group could prove beneficial both on and off the pitch.