Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the season as they took care of Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night. A hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, with a goal from Vinicius Jr as well as a brilliant performance from Jude Bellingham made sure that the team played well on the night, as they tentatively went to the summit of La Liga.
There were a number of brilliant performers on the night, and all of these individual players looked like a team after a very long time. Bernardo Silva was also fabulous all game as he helped Real Madrid retain control for the majority of the contest.
However, even that performance did not put him up as the best signing for the team this season, and it is not Carlos Espi, either.
Ibrahima Konate has been rock-solid for Real Madrid so far
Real Madrid fans were rightfully worried when the club signed Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer earlier this summer. Konate had a very tumultuous season with Liverpool, which made fans wonder whether this was the right move to reinforce a position where they have needed a big signing for a while.
However, in both of his official performances for the team so far, Konate has looked perfect. He has been crisp on the ball, and without it, he has already shown flashes of his best form. The Frenchman already looks at home alongside a rejuvenated Dean Huijsen, and the pairing seems to be working quite well for Real Madrid.
Last season was difficult for Konate personally as well as on the pitch. He lost his father as well as one of his teammates and friends, Diogo Jota, which would have understandably had an impact on the way he played. This season, he looks energised, focused and ready to hit his best form once again, which is brilliant news for the team, but more importantly for him.
It is worth noting that prior to the 2025-26 season – which was difficult for not just him, but everyone at Liverpool – Konate was one of the best central defenders in the Premier League. He formed a formidable partnership alongside Virgil Van Dijk, and looked like one of the best defenders in the world.
That entire season is what made Real Madrid show an interest in him in the first place, and it looks like Konate is slowly getting back to his best. If he continues like this, Real Madrid fans won’t have to worry about their defense at all, because when he is at his best, there aren’t many players who are better than him – but no one will admit that because of how underrated he is.
That was the case for him at Leipzig and Liverpool, but what matters is how he plays on the pitch, and if this is any indication, Real Madrid’s defense is in safe hands.
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