Liverpool have gained some ground in the hunt for Champions League football after beating Sunderland 1-0.
It was a much-improved showing from the Reds, who secured three points thanks to a Virgil van Dijk header.
Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike caught the eye of Joe Cole during proceedings despite neither getting on the scoresheet this time around.
Who was Liverpool’s best player in the excellent win over Sunderland, and why?
What a win!
Elsewhere, Andy Robertson earned praise after he replaced Milos Kerkez in the starting line-up.
But it was another player whom Owen Hargreaves chose to single out right after the tie finished.
Owen Hargreaves praises Ibrahima Konate’s Sunderland showing
The former Bayern Munich midfielder was working as a pundit for TNT Sports on Wednesday evening.
Right after the full-time whistle blew, he was asked to share his thoughts on Liverpool.
When doing so, Hargreaves was quick to show his appreciation for Ibrahima Konate, while also mentioning Wirtz.
He said: “I thought Konate was excellent today. Probably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt in ages. Florian Wirtz is class.”
Change my mind: Liverpool would be CRAZY to let Konate leave 😣
He is back to his best!
Ibrahima Konate stats for Liverpool vs Sunderland
Konate has had a mixed season so far and was recently out for a few games due to personal reasons.
However, since his return, the Frenchman has continued to show signs of improvement at Liverpool.
Against Sunderland, he managed two interceptions, four clearances, won eight duels and made one last-man tackle.
Konate is due to become a free agent later this year, but there is still time for him to sign a new deal.
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