Ibrahima Konate's Consistency Shows His Significance to Liverpool

Liverpool started strong in this Premier League season, collecting all three wins and becoming the only team without conceding a goal before entering the international break.

Defender Ibrahima Konate was one of the greatest contributors to those clean sheets, and had started the latter two matches against Brentford and Manchester United.

Teaming up with Virgil van Dijk and Goalkeeper Alisson, Konate has defended Liverpool's backline for three years. Last season was a surge for the French International, who made 37 appearances with 29 starts, gradually developing himself as a key piece for the Reds.

Konate’s Recent Performance Showcases His Solidity

Despite only playing the second half in the season opener against Ipswich Town, Konate soon returned to the starting IX and regained his strength in the Brentford matchup, tallying two tackles and four clearances.

Being the team's backbone, he handled the ball well in the back and ensured his passing competition at a higher level (73/76).

Against Brentford, Konate also demonstrated his sharpness in the offensive end. In those passes he made successfully, he conducted six progressive passes to threaten the opponent’s goal line. Meanwhile, he completed two shots, one on target.

In the battle against the United, Konate retained his level on the defensive line, giving two tackle completions and four aerials won. With 225 minutes he played in these three matches, Konate has collected 13 duels and ten aerials won this season so far.

Konate’s capability is all-around. Besides showing his physicality in defensive actions, he was decent with the ball, making multiple touches and passes to guarantee possessions and smooth plays. He delivered about 57 passes per game with an excellent 93% passing success.

A Fulfilled Offseason Got Konate Prepared for the New Season

Konate made a statement after Liverpool trounced Brentford 2-0.

“I'm happy and I have to show what I like to do because I think many people forgot what I did last season and in the games before. Now I have to show that I am ready this season to be the best and I hope to be one of the best defenders in the world this season.” 

I believe most Kopites would never forget Konate’s consistent play last season amidst the injury crisis in the squad.

In the total 1,574 minutes, he completed a career-high 118 progressive passes, 22 tackles won and a career-high 3,590 progressive carries, replicating his prime state with RB Leipzig in the 2018/19 Bundesliga season.

Konate had experienced a busy summer which helped him retain his strength. Despite not playing minutes with France during Euro 2024, the national-team call-up enabled him to stay fit in the training camp. 

After the tournament, Konate returned to Liverpool earlier and actively participated in Liverpool's training sessions and friendlies, including those held in the USA, to prepare for the 2024/25 campaign. 

A Future Look of Konate

Konate’s current contract with Liverpool will expire in 2026. His defensive partner, Van Dijk, may leave next summer.

The managerial phase should not only consider a short extension with the Netherlands captain but also emphasize the importance of Konate’s position.

At the age of 25, Konate would like to have a brighter future in the campaign, but the club should either maintain van Dijk or find other defenders to back him up.

His ability to help secure clean sheets, combined with his defensive statistics, underscores his value to the team.

Additionally, his dedication during the off-season and participation in Euro 2024 for France highlights his commitment to maintaining a high fitness level. As Liverpool continues its campaign, Konate's role will undoubtedly remain crucial.