Jonathan Woodgate has given his verdict on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate after watching the Frenchman play against Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday night – and Woodgate praised the Reds ace on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Konate, 23, was handed only his second appearance for Liverpool this season at Ibrox last night. It comes after coming into the campaign with a knee injury. But he was excellent on Wednesday night, winning almost everything in the air.
WhoScored report that Konate won six aerial duels, more than any other player on the night. He also made four clearances and completed 39 of his 47 passes. Rock-solid against a Rangers side that really pushed in the first half.
Giving his verdict on Konate, Woodgate was very impressed – as quoted by BBC Live’s coverage of the 7-1 win: “Ibrahima Konate is having a great game. He’s such a solid defender. He’s been magnificent in this half.”
Woodgate has given his verdict on Liverpool defender Konate
Konate was certainly impressive. Especially in the first half, when the Reds were under the cosh somewhat. In the second half, Liverpool dominated and Konate was rarely tested by the home side. But will it convince Klopp?
This season, Joel Matip has started the big games – but alongside Virgil van Dijk, the two had struggled. Klopp has a centre-back headache that he needs to solve ahead of Sunday, when the Reds play host to Manchester City at Anfield.
Ultimately, van Dijk is always going to start. But it is who partners the defender. Will he lend on experience and use Matip? Or will Konate’s efforts in Glasgow convince Klopp that the Frenchman deserves to be used against City?
If Wednesday is to go by, Konate is a no-brainer. But it was only his second outing and the difference between Rangers and Manchester City is vast. It is more likely that Matip will be given a run out. Klopp does have a selection dilemma.
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