Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Ibrahima Konate appreciates how Virgil van Dijk allows him "to make decisions" as the duo continue to forge a formidable partnership at the heart of the Liverpool defence.

Who should partner Virgil van Dijk in the FA Cup final: Ibrahima Konate or Joel Matip?



However, the relationship between Van Dijk and Konate is anything but one-sided as the more junior of the pair feels he has ample opportunity to express himself.



Yeah he gives me some advice for big games," Konate said ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.



Liverpool can still theoretically add three more trophies to their haul in the form of the FA Cup, Champions League and Premier League, but their chances of a top-flight triumph are dwindling in the face of Manchester City's charge towards the title.

Matip is another classy operator in central defence and lined up at the back in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, so the 30-year-old also has claims to start alongside Van Dijk.

The Cameroonian got the nod in February's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea but came off in the 90th minute for Konate.
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.