OUR FRENCH KONNECTION CAN KO KYL

Ibrahima the key in plot to stop Mbappe

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RYAN GRAVENBERCH hopes a little inside knowledge from Ibrahima Konate can help Liverpool halt Kylian Mbappe's remarkable scoring run tonight.

The Reds entertain Real Madrid in the fourth game of their Champions League campaign in a rematch of last season's encounter in the competition, which the Reds won 2-0 at Anfield. Mbappe had a penalty saved that night and, despite at that point having netted nine goals in his first 18 games since arriving from Paris St-Germain the previous summer, there were question marks over his suitability for the Spanish giants.

The France superstar has subsequently responded with an astonishing 53 goals in 55 appearances for Real, with Gravenberch admitting he will be among the players Liverpool must stop.

When asked how best to negate Konate's compatriot, the midfielder said: "Ibou knows him very well, so you have to speak to Ibou about this maybe!

"We know he is a top, top player, with really good quality. He can play in behind, he can come in the box, he is a good finisher.

"It will not be easy for us but we will try to stop him and do everything.