French defender Ibrahima Konate, who made the move to Liverpool in the summer of 2021, is competing with 32-year-old defender Joel Matip for the spot of partner of Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk.
He is a center back who is expected to be a defensive leader in the future.He has the physical strength to be competitive in defending against opponents, and he covers the space behind him in Liverpool’s high-lined defense with incredible speed.
The 24-year-old center back, who has developed into one of the best center backs in the Premier League, has paralleled his own past to 21-year-old defender Jarell Quansah, who has shown a high level of defense in the same position this season.
“He’s very confident, and I think this is the magic as well of Jürgen and how he introduced him to the squad.”
“He came with the squad for a big game, I remember he came on at Newcastle [in August] in a situation that was not easy, but he did well and this gave him big confidence.”
“He’s very good on the ball as well, and I’m very happy to have him in our squad. It’s a big thing for him, I cannot imagine, and I know he wants to work and to be better, and I just hope for the best for him.”
“I remember when I was in Leipzig when I started to play, I was 18. It was not easy, but with the team, with confidence, I started to grow up, and today I’m here!”
Liverpoolfc.com
Also in the back line is the dynamic 20-year-old defender Connor Bradley. He spent the first half of the season injured and unable to pitch, but when he got the opportunity to play at a time when the number of injuries to the side backs increased, he has been up and down the right flank, making his presence felt both offensively and defensively.
With the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, his opportunities will be reduced in the future. However, the fact that he is still alive in all competitions at this point and has many games left to play should give him a chance to show what he is capable of.
The French defender described the young sideback, who also plays for Northern Ireland, as “crazy,” but said he is happy to have him in the first team.
“He’s crazy! I don’t know if he plays like that [so attack-minded] because he knows I’m behind him!”
“I love Conor, he had a big injury and I know that was not easy for him, but he came back and he got some minutes and now he has had the opportunity with the injury of Trent to take some more.”
“He did great, he did so well and I was happy for him. This is another player for our squad.”
Liverpoolfc.com