Some Liverpool fans are getting very excited about Ibrahima Konate after his display vs Newcastle United. The 22-year-old was outstanding.
We named Ibrahima Konate as one of the very best Liverpool players vs Newcastle United. The 22-year-old likely wasn’t supposed to play, either.
A trio of positive Covid-19 cases hit the Reds today, one of whom was Virgil van Dijk. That left a gap in the XI and it’s one we imagine Konate filled – he certainly lined up in the Dutchman’s position.
This was a tough game for him, then. Konate had to full the void of the best defender in the world against Newcastle, not just a key Liverpool player.
Doing that on short notice – as a 22-year-old – is a huge ask but it’s one we think Konate delivered. He was magnificent here.
In the second half, particularly, Konate looked fantastic. He found himself isolated up against a forward on several occasions with only one goal separating the sides. Liverpool needed him to dominate one-on-one against Newcastle attackers – an incredibly difficult thing to do.
But Konate was strong, quick and above all, composed. He dealt with everything Newcastle threw at him, finishing the game with three interceptions and one tackle from one attempt (per Whoscored). Perfection, really.
And so we weren’t exactly surprised to see Liverpool fans take to Twitter to hail Konate after the game.
Konate thrives for Liverpool vs Newcastle
This was a very exciting performance from a 22-year-old who, again, jumped into the XI on short notice. If Konate can do this now, after all, what’s he going to be like in a few years?
It’s quite clear that Liverpool have something special here but it hasn’t been clearer than against Newcastle. Konate has every necessary attribute and rightly deserves praise after this one.
A huge talent.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
