Craig Burley suggests Konate and Joel Matip as ‘inconsistent’ duo for Liverpool. Burley also says they cannot start for Arsenal or Newcastle United. Moreover, he feels if these teams could have as swap deal for the duo, they wouldn’t. Eddie Howe’s main man at the backline is Svan Botman who made a solid start in the Premier League. He managed to secure a spot in the Champions League for Newcastle in his first season.
Joel Matip has been a key figure for Liverpool in the past years. Though, his form has dropped in the recent years, while Konate has been injured for a substantial period since his move to Anfield. Burley told ESPN that he feels the duo is a problem at the back and cannot help Virgil Van Dijk much.
“Konate and Matip, at times, particularly Matip, who has been there longer, have had some really good spells,” said Burley.
“But I think they are now both inconsistent in their decisions. If you look at van Dijk’s partner and you look at the other big challengers, I don’t think Konate or Matip get into any of those other teams at centre-back.“
“Maybe you can take Tottenham out of the occasion with van de Ven and Romero. But if you look at Arsenal, you aren’t changing Matip and Konate for Gabriel or Saliba. You’re not changing at Man City.
“You look at Botman, who is out injured at Newcastle. Rock solid at centre-back.”
The attack has not been a problem for Liverpool. However, they have been leaking goals at the back this season and it becomes obvious what is the problem. It is a matter of concern if they have the quality for a long-term defense to challenge for the title.
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