Garth Crooks has included Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in his BBC Sport Team of the Week – claiming the Reds ace “absolutely destroyed” Nathan Ake in his side’s 3-2 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp decided to include his 22-year-old summer signing in the starting line-up against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon at Wembley – as Konate’s game time continues to increase, starting four of the last six.
Indeed, the ex-RB Leipzig man has scored three goals in that time – one in each leg against Benfica and now against Manchester City. He got the better of £40million (BBC) defender Ake to score in what was his 22nd Reds outing.
BBC pundit Crooks not only applauded Konate for his goal, but also his overall performance despite City scoring twice through Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish. He thinks, alongside Virgil van Dijk, he was “outstanding”.
“Three goals in three games tells you all you need to know about the form and attacking prowess of Konate. While everyone is watching Virgil van Dijk on set-pieces, Konate has been cleaning up,” Crooks said.
“The Frenchman has been outstanding in recent games and adds a dangerous element in attack for Liverpool in dead-ball situations. Konate absolutely destroyed Nathan Ake in the air.”
Crooks on Konate: Liverpool star is pushing Matip to start
Joel Matip has been sensational this season. But while Konate is only 22, Matip turns 31 in August and is showing all the signs necessary to be the perfect replacement for the Senegalese defender.
Perhaps, even overtake him at an earlier opportunity. Konate is easily good enough to partner van Dijk and while Matip is the better option currently, it will not be long before Klopp feels Konate is the better partner to van Dijk.
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