Liverpool are reportedly considering a pairing of Ibrahima Konaté and Matthijs de Ligt. It would be something worth dreaming about.
Liverpool currently boast one of the best centre-back pairings in the world. In fact, they actually boast three as whoever they partner Virgil van Dijk with, they’ve got a world-class pairing. He’s just that good.
But Van Dijk won’t be around forever and Liverpool need a plan for the future. Van Dijk and Joel Matip are both in their 30s now and may begin their decline over the coming years.
Fortunately, Ibrahima Konaté already looks like a world-class player in the making. He’s been exceptional since joining the club and should carry the future of Liverpool’s defence.
As for who partners him, it’s unclear. Joe Gomez is the obvious selection but his season hasn’t gone well. Injuries consistently interrupt his rhythm and he’s found minutes hard to come by.
So as good as Gomez is, we can’t say for sure that he’s the future. There’s even a chance he departs this summer – though, we don’t think it’s a simple one.
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Liverpool might have something else in mind, however. Reports this week point the Reds towards a very interesting signing and a centre-back partnership worth dreaming about.
Ibrahima Konaté and Matthijs de Ligt
Calciomercato claim Liverpool are thinking about moving fro Matthijs de Ligt. He’s about the enter the final two years of his contract with Juventus and if they can’t get him to sign a new one, a sale is on the table.
It’s easy to see why Liverpool would have an interest here. De Ligt, like Konaté, is still only 22 but has already proven himself at the highest level. He ticks every single box for a top centre-back, too, and the right development will see him become one of the world’s best.
In signing De Ligt, then, Liverpool could potentially create a centre-back pairing for the ages. The technical ability, athleticism and know-how on show with De Ligt and Konaté would be sensational and with any luck, they’d secure the team at the back for a decade.
This could be one for the ages, then. We won’t hold our breath – there’s a long way to go, after all – but you can’t help but get excited at this idea. Let’s see what happens.