At their best, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have as good a partnership as William Saliba and Gabriel of Arsenal.
The numbers did not show that last season because Liverpool played an at times reckless brand of attacking football under Jurgen Klopp – and because Van Dijk’s centre-back partner kept changing.
Konate lost his place in the team to Jarell Quansah, a talented, emerging defender, but not someone capable of consistently world-class performances like the Frenchman.
Quansah played 45 minutes against Ipswich Town in the Premier League opener, but has not seen any game time since. Konate has come in and been incredibly good alongside the legendary Van Dijk, who is looking as good as ever and in terms of pure ability, is the best central defender in PL history.
As it is, Konate is so physically imposing. He is fast and strong, but unlike Van Dijk, throws himself into tackles and blocks and is happy to do the dirty stuff. He looks better on the ball, too, registering a terrific assist for Luis Diaz’s opener against Bournemouth on Saturday.
He also defended resolutely and is part of a Liverpool backline that has conceded only one goal in five PL matches so far. That is the best record in the country.
Konate’s weakness was always his injury record, but he has actually only missed eight games in total over the past two years – and looks as fit as ever right now.
Liverpool’s dazzling attackers will continue to get the plaudits, but a title push will be built on the consistency of Van Dijk and Konate’s defence.
Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop
