Liverpool centre-back Ibrahim Konate has leapt to the defence of international teammate and Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, as he struggles for goals for France.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League Group B clash against Italy at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and via FCInterNews.it, Konate was keen to stress that Thuram’s form with the Nerazzurri would soon be replicated at international level.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach forward has been prolific in Serie A, with 20 goals in 47 matches since the start of last season.

However, he has only netted twice in 28 caps for France and not found the back of the net for his country since a goal against Gibraltar in November 2023.

“We’re in Milan, so we’re at Thuram’s home, but also at (Inter teammate) Benjamin Pavard’s, (AC Milan duo) Theo Hernandez’s and Mike Maignan’s,” Konate stated.

“Marcus is doing incredibly well at Inter, and sure he is less effective with the France shirt, but he’s still a great player.

“Efficiency in front of goal will come, we’re not worried at all. What’s missing? Nothing, it’ll come little by little,” Konate added.

Thuram made his debut for the France national team in 2020 but his only goals for Les Bleus came within two months of each other, having also scored against the Republic of Ireland in September 2023, prior to his strike against Gibraltar.