Ibrahima Konate‘s inventory has fallen over the previous 12 months, with the Frenchman now dealing with 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 considered one of 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 function at Anfield.
Ibrahima Konate, 2023/24
Began: 29 (All competitions)
On as an alternative: 8
Unused sub: 13
Objectives: 0
Assists: 1
General 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 improbable choice who performs recurrently for a world-class France staff.
Joel Matip‘s age and the creeping expiry of his contract would work in opposition to him, whereas Jarell Quansah remained an unknown to many.
Konate began properly, together with his tempo and energy at all times an important weapon to have, particularly in a Liverpool aspect at all times prepared to depart themselves open defensively.
His front-footed method properly complemented Van Dijk’s much less aggressive model, 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 come back.
In actual fact, 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 house 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 closing 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 manner for Konate’s season to finish, as he performed no half in Klopp’s farewell matches.
In actual fact, his closing 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 motive 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 thus lengthy – and Konate was a kind of who missed a piece 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 long run chief of the defence.
Konate’s capacity 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 shifting ahead?
The Frenchman’s lack of ability to remain injury-free is changing into an actual concern, with Klopp having to handle his minutes fastidiously.
That is by means of no fault of Konate’s, it ought to be burdened, and he will likely be extra annoyed than anybody, however comprehensible considerations are creeping in.
Based on Transfermarkt, he has now missed 89 matches in his profession by means of damage, lots of which have been muscle points slightly than affect 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 excellent choice for Slot when he is available in, nonetheless having his peak years forward of him and possessing many nice attributes.
Lightning-fast, robust 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, when it comes to him being at optimum health and in prime type.
His injury-prone nature signifies that Slot should usher in no less than one new centre-back, offering extra cowl if Konate faces additional spells on the sidelines.
There isn’t any indication that Liverpool will quit on their No. 5, not least with studies of constructive talks over a contract extension.
However the subsequent 12 months nearly really feel like an audition for Konate, when it comes to exhibiting that he’s the long run boss of the defence and somebody who may 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.
