Ibrahima Konate has cheekily hinted at a future boost in his EAFC 26 player rating, with the Liverpool defender seen smiling as he received his new card at the AXA Training Centre. The Frenchman, whose contract is winding down and who has been linked with Real Madrid, quipped: ‘86 is okay. Next season, 99.’
Despite uncertainty over his Anfield future, Konate has remained a regular starter alongside Virgil van Dijk, earning praise for his performances in recent wins against Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Everton. His overall rating in this year’s game increased to 86, up from an initial 83 in EAFC 25.
Konate was not the only Liverpool player to see an upgrade. Ryan Gravenberch enjoyed the biggest leap within the squad, going from 78 last season to 85. The Dutch midfielder was clearly pleased, joking with Hugo Ekitike, while Curtis Jones insisted Gravenberch deserved an even higher score of 87.
Alexander Isak, also present, was happy with his rise from 85 to 88 and echoed Konate’s ambition: ‘It’s going up, so gotta keep going.’ Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk teased Alexis Mac Allister about his pace rating, and Jeremie Frimpong complained about his overall rating dropping to 83 despite boasting 94 pace.
The event sparked lively debates among the players, with Jones astonished by Florian Wirtz’s 89 overall and 90 dribbling, leading to playful arguments about speed and physicality. Trey Nyoni also joked that Rio Ngumoha’s 90 pace rating was exaggerated.
