Ibrahima Konate‘s inventory has fallen over the previous 12 months, with the Frenchman now going through a battle to remain Virgil van Dijk‘s common centre-back accomplice.
The 25-year-old loved a extremely spectacular first two years in Liverpool shirt, as one in all Europe’s most imposing younger central defenders.
Whereas the 2023/24 season was anticipated to see Konate go up one other gear, accidents and new competitors are actually clouding his position at Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate, 2023/24
Began: 29 (All competitions)On in its place: 8Unused sub: 13Goals: 0Assists: 1Overall Season Ranking: 6.57
Moments of brilliance, however ousted by Quansah
When the brand new season started, there have been few debates over who ought to be beginning alongside Van Dijk, with Konate a incredible possibility who performs repeatedly for a world-class France workforce.
Joel Matip‘s age and the creeping expiry of his contract would work towards him, whereas Jarell Quansah remained an unknown to many.
Konate began properly, along with his tempo and energy all the time an ideal weapon to have, particularly in a Liverpool facet all the time keen to depart themselves open defensively.
His front-footed strategy properly complemented Van Dijk’s much less aggressive fashion, and it seemed as if Liverpool’s No. 5 was solely getting higher.
It didn’t even take till September for Konate to undergo his first damage, nonetheless, in what was an indication of issues to return.
In truth, by the point November arrived, he had began simply 4 video games within the Premier League.
For a lot of the marketing campaign, Konate was spectacular when match, not least within the win away to Arsenal within the FA Cup.
A month earlier, Konate was equally spectacular within the 2-0 victory at Sheffield United within the league, successful an unimaginable 19 duels, beating Van Dijk’s earlier season-high tally of 14 at dwelling to West Ham.
Because the marketing campaign went on, nonetheless, there was a noticeable dip in Konate’s efficiency.
Sloppiness crept in on the ball, to not point out a penchant for being overly bodily and conceding harmful free-kicks.
Jurgen Klopp then dropped Konate for his ultimate month in cost, with Quansah deservedly ousting him from the beginning lineup.
That will have appeared unthinkable again in August and it was a disappointing approach for Konate’s season to finish, as he performed no half in Klopp’s farewell matches.
In truth, his ultimate minutes of the season got here within the woeful loss at Everton on April 24, producing a three-out-of-10 efficiency.
For the primary time, there are long-term doubts over Konate, with health the principle cause for that.
Accidents a giant drawback now
Liverpool’s season was adversely affected by accidents – it’s a miracle that they remained within the title race for therefore lengthy – and Konate was a type of who missed a bit of motion.
The previous RB Leipzig man began solely 17 of the Reds’ 38 league matches, which isn’t sufficient if you wish to be the longer term chief of the defence.
Konate’s potential has lengthy held him up because the pure inheritor to Van Dijk when the Liverpool captain ultimately departs, however can Arne Slot depend on him transferring ahead?
The Frenchman’s lack of ability to remain injury-free is turning into an actual concern, with Klopp having to handle his minutes rigorously.
That is by means of no fault of Konate’s, it ought to be confused, and he might be extra pissed off than anybody, however comprehensible issues are creeping in.
Based on Transfermarkt, he has now missed 89 matches in his profession by means of damage, a lot of which have been muscle points slightly than impression accidents.
For a 25-year-old, that’s alarming – and highlights the headache that Slot faces.
Further gear wanted, with fewer accidents
On the face of it, Konate is an outstanding possibility for Slot when he is available in, nonetheless having his peak years forward of him and possessing many nice attributes.
Lightning-fast, sturdy within the sort out and good at bringing the ball out, he ought to be considered as one of many Premier League‘s greatest defenders.
On his day, Konate is precisely that, however these days really feel all too uncommon, by way of him being at optimum health and in prime kind.
His injury-prone nature implies that Slot should herald a minimum of one new centre-back, offering extra cowl if Konate faces additional spells on the sidelines.
There is no such thing as a indication that Liverpool will surrender on their No. 5, not least with reviews of optimistic talks over a contract extension.
However the subsequent 12 months virtually really feel like an audition for Konate, by way of exhibiting that he’s the longer term boss of the defence and somebody who might be relied upon.
Greatest second: A Man of the Match exhibiting at Arsenal within the FA Cup.
Worst second: The accidents. But once more.
Position subsequent season: Key participant, if match.
