Can Arne Slott rely on Ibrahim Konate as a regular Liverpool starter? – Liverpool FC

Ibrahima Konate’s stock has fallen over the past year and the Frenchman now faces a battle to remain Virgil van Dijk’s permanent centre-back.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a very impressive first two years at Liverpool, as one of Europe’s most impressive young centre-backs.

While Konate was expected to kick into another gear in 2023/24, injuries and new competition are now clouding his role at Anfield.

Moments of brilliance, but were kicked out by Quansah

When the new season started, there was some debate about who should start alongside Van Dijk, and Konate was a fantastic option who plays regularly for France’s world-class team.

Joel Matip’s age and the short duration of his contract would work against him, while Jarell Quansah remains unknown to many.

Konate started well, with his pace and strength always a great weapon, especially in a Liverpool side that is always willing to leave themselves open in defence.

His front-footed approach complemented Van Dijk’s less aggressive style nicely, and it looked like Liverpool’s No.5 was only getting better.

However, it wasn’t until September that Konate suffered his first injury, which was a sign of things to come.

In fact, by the time November arrived, he had only started four Premier League games.

For much of the campaign, Konate has been impressive when fit, not least in the FA Cup win away to Arsenal.

A month earlier, Konate was equally impressive in a 2-0 win over Sheffield United in the league, winning an incredible 19 tackles, surpassing Van Dijk’s previous season’s record of 14 at home to West Ham.

As the campaign progressed, however, there was a noticeable decline in Konate’s performance.

A sloppiness crept in on the ball, not to mention a penchant for excessive physicality and conceding dangerous free kicks.

Jurgen Klopp then dropped Konate for his final month in charge, and Quansah deservedly dropped him from the starting line-up.

It would have seemed unthinkable back in August and it was a disappointing way for Konate’s season to end as he played no part in Klopp’s farewell matches.

In fact, his final minutes of the season came in a miserable defeat at Everton on April 24, resulting in 3 out of 10 results.

For the first time, there are long-term doubts about Konate, and the main reason for this is fitness.

Injuries are a big problem now

Liverpool’s season has been blighted by injuries – it’s a wonder they stayed in the title race for so long – and Konate was one of those who missed out on some of the action.

The former RB Leipzig man has started just 17 of the Reds’ 38 league games, which is not enough if you want to be a future defensive leader.

Konate’s ability has long seen him as the natural successor to Van Dijk when the Liverpool captain eventually departs, but can Arne Slott rely on him going forward?

The Frenchman’s inability to remain injury-free is becoming a real problem, and Klopp must manage his minutes carefully.

It’s not Konate’s fault, it should be stressed, and he’ll be more frustrated than anyone, but understandable concerns creep in.

According to Transfermarkt, he has now missed 89 career matches due to injury, many of which have been muscle problems rather than injuries.

For the 25-year-old, that’s alarming – and highlights the headache Slott faces.

Additional equipment required, with fewer injuries

On the face of it, Konate is a great option for the Slot when he arrives, he still has his prime years ahead of him and possesses many great attributes.

Lightning fast, strong on the ball and good on the ball, he should be considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

On his day, Konate is just that, but those days are all too rare, in the sense that he is in optimal condition and top form.

His injury-prone nature means Slott must bring in at least one new centre-back, providing more cover if Konate faces further spells in the side.

There is no indication that Liverpool will let go of their number five, not least with reports of positive talks over a contract extension.

But the next 12 months are almost like an audition for Konate, in terms of showing that the future boss of defense is also someone who can be relied on.

Best moment: Arsenal’s best player in the FA Cup.

Worst moment: Injuries. Once more.

Role next season: Key player, if applicable.