Nachrichten

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has got a lot of things right so far at the Reds as he looks to keep pace with Man City and Arsenal in the title race

Ibrahima Konate has been a key player for Liverpool boss Arne Slot (Image: Getty Images)

Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate whilst sharing his belief that he does not get the credit he deserves. Konate has become a key centre-back for the Reds under Arne Slot.

The Frenchman started the season as a substitute against Ipswich Town before coming on at half-time for Jarell Quansah with Slot's team struggling. The 25-year-old has since become a regular starter for Liverpool and has helped the Reds enjoy an impressive start to the 2024/25 season.

‌

Konate has the best aerial duel success rate for any player to contest more than 10 in the Premier League this season. He also has a 100 per cent successful tackle rate.

And multiple Champions League and La Liga winner, Rudiger, has singled out Konate when discussing football's most underrated defenders. “I could also mention, Konate,” he said on The Inside Scoop. “I like his game a lot.

‌

"He is doing very well, he is a bit always under the radar. I don’t know why but I rate him very highly.”

Slot has previously explained the decision to take off Quansah for Konate against Ipsiwch in a move which may turn out to have massive repercussions for Liverpool's title bid. The Reds have only lost once all season with Konate and Virgil van Dijk forming a formidable partnership in defence.

He said: “First thing was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you don’t lose so many duels. Not that Jarell lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels – but I think we needed Konate to win the long balls through the air from their number nine.

‌

"That helped and gave us control. I don’t think Ipswich could keep up with the tempo in the second half.”