Adebayo Akinfenwa says £36m Liverpool player has been ridiculously inconsistent this season

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For whatever reason, many of Liverpool’s stars have struggled for form at the start of the new campaign. The Reds’ title defence has not exactly gone to plan as of late, but somehow, they are still only one point off the top.Poor performances were being saved by last minute winners in the opening few games, but now, Liverpool have not been getting so lucky.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.

Three losses on the bounce is a run they will be looking to stop when they take on Man United on Sunday, although they need their players to find a bit of consistency.This is something that has been lacking across the board, but Adebayo Akinfenwa believes one in particular has been guilty of this more than most. Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty ImagesIbrahima Konate needs to find some consistencyLiverpool’s defence has been the overarching problem so far this season, with far too many goals being conceded.Although many players are to blame, the finger has been pointed at Ibrahima Konate more often than not due to the Frenchman being far from convincing.He started the season poorly, bounced back with some strong performances, and has now tailed off again, with his form becoming a real concern.If he does not sort it sooner rather than later, it could cost the Reds once again, and Akinfenwa has been very critical of just that.“I think when it comes to Konate, I think one week he can be so off it and then the next week he can be the best defender,” he said on The Football Exchange.“I just think that’s the consistency.

So, I do think it’s unbalanced.”READ MORE: Real Madrid are now starting to change their mind about signing £35m Liverpool playerKonate may not get the chance to prove himself this weekend, though, as an injury ruled him out of France’s games over the international break, meaning that it is still touch-and-go as to whether he plays or not.Joe Gomez needs to step upIf Konate does not play, it will likely be Joe Gomez who gets the nod instead due to the lack of options in this department.The Englishman has always had the ability, it has just been his injury-record that has let him down, although this could be his final chance to prove himself.Competition for Konate is also needed, so good performances in training, and perhaps in games if he gets the opportunity, could even help the Frenchman regain his form.Gomez has also been linked with a move to AC Milan so this could also help his chances of going there later down the line, meaning this really could be his big break.