'Outstanding' Liverpool player was a small ray of hope against United after much improved display - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool do not have many positives to take away from their defeat to rivals Manchester United. The Reds have now lost four successive games for the first time since 2014, with this one the worst of them all.A 2-1 defeat at Anfield to Man United has certainly left a lot to be desired, with Arne Slot having even more work to do as the pressure piles on.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
A reaction was needed but Liverpool did not provide that one bit, with the overall performance far from good enough yet again.However, there was, arguably, one star who can hold his head high after stepping up during this game, with Reds fans likely a little happier with him given his poor start to the season.Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesIbrahima Konate had a much better game for LiverpoolThe Reds’ defence has been a problem at the start of the season, with far too many goals being conceded, especially in comparison to this time last year. Konate had been one of the reasons for this as the Frenchman had struggled at the beginning of the campaign, looking shaky in almost every match so far.
With that said, the 26-year-old was certainly the best of a bad bunch on Sunday evening, with the defender one of the only players who can be relatively happy with their performance.He made eight clearances, one block, four recoveries and won eight of his 11 duels, with his performance perhaps going under the radar due to the result.Virgil van Dijk also had a very poor performance by his standards, meaning that Konate had even more work to do than usual.READ MORE: ‘Nervous wreck’ Milos Kerkez slammed by two former Liverpool heroes for Man United displayBut he did what was required and Reds fans will hope this form continues, especially given that results now need to drastically improve. Liverpool need both centre-backs on formAlthough Konate has been ‘outstanding’ in the past, van Dijk has needed to carry him at points this season, but against Man United, it was roles reversed.This is, of course, far from ideal for the Reds as yet again, they have gone through a game where both their centre-backs have not been on form, hence why so many goals are being conceded.So, what needs to happen now is both the centre-halves play to their best ability, with this then, hopefully, leading to a more resolute defence.The fact the full-backs are struggling as well, means that this is more important than ever, proving how Slot has plenty of thinking to do again.