Ibrahima Konate looks set to continue in Liverpool defence tonight.
The Reds are away to Preston North End as Jurgen Klopp’s side look to reach the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
Konate, a £36 million signing by Liverpool this past summer, had a stormer on Sunday in the 5-0 win away to Manchester United.
It was only the 21-year-old’s third game in English football but based on how well he dealt with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, he’s already settled remarkably well.
Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders took the pre-match media duties ahead of the Lilywhites game tonight.
And during the press conference, he found a fitting word to sum up the French powerhouse.
He said: “He is a beast – he controlled the last line on a top, top level against United. Joel, Ibou, Joey and Virg have top speed – we have these four CB’s who have the characteristics to play in our way and in our style.”
Ridiculous
Konate sums up the ridiculous strength in depth that Klopp has in terms of centre-backs this season.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all fit again after horrendous 2020-21 campaigns, Liverpool were already well stocked in this department.
But the fact that they now have Konate means it’s a bit of a joke how strong their squad is regarding central defenders, to the point where it’s almost unfair.
One man who suffers in a big way is Nat Phillips, a hero for the Anfield club last season.
This time around, he hasn’t kicked a ball for the senior side – quite literally – and in all probability, never will again.
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