Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke says Liverpool have two players who are building an amazing partnership

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Liverpool are set to be unable to put out their strongest XI as they take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final tomorrw.

With injuries decimating the squad, the Reds will be without a number of players who would otherwise have been expected to start.

As a result, it’ll be a relief to Liverpool supporters that they’re able to call on their first-choice centre-back pairing. Ibrahima Konate sat out of Wednesday’s win over Luton Town but is reportedly ready to return tomorrow. With Virgil van Dijk set to lead the Reds in his first final as captain, Jurgen Klopp has one of the best partnerships in the league at his disposal.

Between them, Konate and Van Dijk have thwarted some of the best strikers in the Premier League this season. One of those has – perhaps surprisingly – been Dominic Solanke. Having scored 14 goals in the division this term, Solanke is only behind Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in the scoring stakes. But he didn’t find the net in two games against Liverpool.

And speaking to The Athletic today, the Bournemouth striker suggested that that was all down to the Reds’ two defenders. Asked if Van Dijk in particular was the best centre-back in the world right now, Solanke was certain.

“Definitely,” confirmed the 26-year-old. “He’s probably one of the best centre-backs to have played the game. It’s so difficult to play against him. Him and Konate, two big strong centre-backs, they’re such a good partnership.”

Solanke praises Liverpool’s defence

As Konate continues to develop apace, it’s clear that Liverpool do indeed have themselves an elite level centre-back pairing.

Ever since his arrival in 2021, Konate has looked like a potential world-beater in the making. But having suffered with injury issues last season, he didn’t really kick on from an impressive debut season.

There have been one or two fitness problems this campaign too, but by and large the Frenchman has stayed fit and shown why Liverpool were determined to sign him three years ago.

Had Joel Matip not have gone down with a season-ending knee injury in December, maybe things would have been different. But as Liverpool look to maintain their push on all four fronts this season, Konate is now unequivocally the main man next to Van Dijk.

There have even been claims that the 24-year-old could succeed his centre-back partner in being a future captain at Anfield.

While Virgil remains at the club, that will remain some way off for Ibou. With the commanding way he’s gone about his business this season though, you never know.

Naturally, Konate’s impressive performances are said to have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s other heavyweight sides. Hometown club PSG are one who are reportedly very keen on Liverpool’s No.5. As long as he remains important to the Reds though, you can’t see that happening.

We’re lucky to have two such imperious defenders doing their all to keep opponents from scoring. With half the team missing tomorrow, their brilliance will be even more appreciated.