With the rising demand for proper centre backs, top clubs have already acquired the most informed talents. Liverpool and Arne Slot have not been the busiest in this transfer market with a squad that already boasts talent. Klopp has tailor fitted some world-class players to work with, and the Dutch manager is quite satisfied. However, the entire picture might not be the same. Liverpool has always had big names in the defence, and more so in recent times. Everyone has proved their worth with long-term service. The most recent addition to this squad was Ibrahima Konate. The French defender was considered to be the natural successor to club legend and captain Virgil Van Dijk, but recently went through a rough patch. He has recently come under the notice of new manager Arne Slot, and he is quite unimpressed with the defender’s performance.
Arne slot on strict Liverpool changes
Ibrahima Konate is one of the most promising new defenders of the recent era. The main reason for him being bought for such a high salary was due to his sheer potential. As a matter of fact, he has shone under Klopp initially and has not created much trouble. Konate has been a reliable defender behind Matip. His days in Liverpool have earned him the house hold name and also earned his call up for national duty. But he has also had his sad days. Over the years, Konate has, however, failed to topple the first-choice place and has not made it successfully in the first team. He has also made only 17 starts for Liverpool in the first two seasons under Klopp. This has been somewhat short of the potential that was once promised and seen for him.
Over the years, Konate has been seen performing decently for the national team but failing to prove himself at the club level. Arne Slot has also taken notice of the Liverpool defender’s recent performance and is quite unhappy. The appalling performances of two managers are concerning for a club like Liverpool. According to a recent report from Football Insider, Arne Slot does not fancy the 25-year-old. In a place like Liverpool, the philosophy has been one of high pressing and arieal play. Defenders have been really crucial for playing passes up front. Van Dijk has set a benchmark for the club, with new defenders to follow. Even Joel Matip was a reliable defender in his day. With high pressing, swift passes, and quick play, especially that of Manchester City, Konate has to adapt himself quickly to the Premier League system.
What is stopping Konate from being the best?
Over the three years in Merseyside, Konate has made over 90 appearances for the club. It is true that injuries have resulted in a lot of complications for the French lad. There has been a loss of momentum, due to which he has not been able to make his mark as well as other young stars in the English top flight. Both Jarell Quansah and Joel Matip featured prominently in his place last season, with the Frenchman playing just 37 of a possible 58 games.
The Frenchman has also performed in an abysmal way during the derby. After that, he was often not chosen by the German manager to feature in the club’s matches. A lot of questions are arising for the defender, as there is no scope for improvement. Arne Slot is finding similar patterns in the Liverpool footballer, just in the lines of Jurgen Klopp, which speak volumes.
If this keeps on happening, then the available funds will be used primarily to strengthen the defence and replace him. However, just at 25, there is a lot of hope for the Frenchman.
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