‘Key player’: Ibrahima Konate seriously impressed by 27-year-old player Chelsea are reportedly hoping to sign

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has told Alfredo Pedulla that he has been seriously impressed by France teammate Adrien Rabiot at this World Cup.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Chelsea next month after a deal failed to develop into anything over the summer.

The Juventus man has actually enjoyed a strong domestic season before the international break, despite resistance amongst fanbases of the likes of the Blues and Manchester United when linked with him before the season began.

Rabiot has been a shining light in an otherwise underwhelming Juventus side, who have fallen way off the pace set by Napoli in Serie A.

He has continued his form into the World Cup, getting the defending champions underway with the first of eventually four goals against Australia in the tournament opener.

Konate praises Rabiot

It’s fair to say he is taking a chance that may not have been presented if injuries hadn’t plagued the midfield of France. Both N’golo Kante and Paul Pogba were ruled out of the tournament.

He has certainly gained praise from his teammates for his performances so far, with Konate claiming he is one of the key players for the defending champions.

He said: “Rabiot? I didn’t know him before this World Cup. I had never lived with him in the group. He talks to everyone. He’s a key player in this competition. Adrien brings us a lot, in defense and in attack, he is a key player for France.“

Chelsea could certainly do with some sort of midfield depth right now, with the current crop being the walking wounded.

Kante has been missing nearly all season, while Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have both been forced to play with niggling injuries that have almost certainly stopped them performing at their best.