After Liverpool splashed out £36 million to bring Ibrahima Konaté to Anfield, you’d expect him to be in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI.
After all, that’s a lot of money to pay for someone who wouldn’t be going straight into the starting lineup.
However, after Klopp recently spoke to German media about tactics, the Frenchman has every right to be worried.
What did Klopp say?
When quizzed on Germany’s 3-4-3 system, Klopp told Magenta TV: “It’s a bit uncomfortable to judge because every coach has the right to make their own decisions. But I would play a back four with this team. I don’t like the system (back-three) very much.”
Now, on that note, you’d worry about one of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez or Konaté.
Of course, Van Dijk and Gomez might not be ready for the start of the 2021/22 season, so Konaté was definitely a necessary signing.
However, thinking more long term, Klopp will surely favour his two trusty steeds in Van Dijk and Gomez – in our view, at least.
Van Dijk and Gomez have earned Klopp’s trust
The pair helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
In that respect, one of them would surely be banging Klopp’s door down if they were dropped for a new signing.
At 22 years of age, Konaté is Liverpool’s future, and will surely lead the backline for many years.
However, in terms of making an immediate impact on Merseyside, Klopp’s comments will surely worry the new boy, given what he’s up against.
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