Arne Slot shown exactly what he should do with Ibrahima Konate after his display for Liverpool vs Burnley - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool just got over the line in a disappointing performance against Burnley, but Ibrahima Konate showed his class.
It would be a struggle to suggest that many of the Reds put in a positive or worthwhile performance at Turf Moor in a drab game, which was saved by a late Mohamed Salah penalty.
A fortunate defensive mishap from Hannibal Mejbri’s outstretched hand meant that Liverpool could extend their dramatic Premier League record of four consecutive wins in the final 10 minutes.
Even with Scott Parker’s side down a man from Lesley Ugochukwu’s second yellow, Liverpool never seemed to be able to break down the strong defensive line of the newly promoted side.
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images
With a clean sheet on the road and another three points under their belt, Arne Slot will not be overly worried if his team can somehow keep producing goals from seemingly nowhere.
That clean sheet, which was made possible by the strong showing at the back from Virgil van Dijk and especially Konate, has put little doubt on the need for the contract of the Frenchman to be sorted as a matter of urgency.
The No.
5 was dominant in the air and on the ground, winning all but one of his duels on the floor and winning the majority in aerial positions against a side that desperately tried to counter with minimal success.
His performances in the first two games cast doubt on his future at the club, with the £40 million star touted for a Real Madrid move during the summer transfer window.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
However, a move seemed more likely for next year, which is exactly why his performance on Sunday and against Arsenal proves why he deserves to be a huge part of the club’s future.
Not only at the back did he make some vital clearances and three big recoveries, but he also created two chances at the other end, which is more than can be said for some other, more creative players in the squad.
The Dutch manager emphasises passing, and you do not have to look further than his 86% accuracy in that department to see why he is an integral piece of this side’s success going forward.
Why lose a key talent like the 26-year-old to a European rival when he could be kept on a long-term deal, which could see him lead the club in the future once Van Dijk decides to hang up his boots?
While it is important to strengthen the back line in the available transfer windows, a deal for Marc Guehi can wait until next summer rather than a January bid.
The focus in the winter months is on convincing France’s own to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, because at the moment, the team looks to be just about managing with the defenders they have.
An early move for Guehi may compel Konate to explore the option of going to Madrid much sooner than anticipated, and that would be a real blow.
To maintain morale and push the club forward, if the Frenchman continues his current form, there is no doubt that he cannot move away from Merseyside without being offered a fair deal.