11 months ago
225 ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that he just can’t understand why Jurgen Klopp prefers Joel Matip over Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool.
A lot of questions are being asked about the Reds’ defence since their 4-3 win over Fulham on Sunday. Conceding thrice at home is not a great look, and Nicol has already pointed the finger at Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas. Now, he has had his say on Konate.
Steve Nicol baffled why Jurgen Klopp doesn’t pick Ibrahima Konate over Joel Matip at Liverpool
Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36 million back in the summer of 2021 (Sky Sports).
The Frenchman has everything you would want from a central defender. He’s quick, strong, good on the ball and all in all, he is a fantastic centre-back.
However, Konate has started just five games in the Premier League this season, with Jurgen Klopp preferring Joel Matip in that position on multiple occasions.
Nicol, who knows a thing or two about defending, says he just cannot understand why Konate doesn’t start more often. He also went as far as saying Matip is past his best.
He said on ESPN FC: “Do you know what I can’t get my head around? France are arguably the best side in the world, right? And Konate seems like he is absolutely a starter on that team. Why does Konate never seem to start regularly for Liverpool?
“I can’t get my head around it. Matip has done well, but Matip is past his best.”
Ibrahima Konate will start more games for Liverpool
Joel Matip has been an extraordinary player for Liverpool over the years, and you can’t blame Jurgen Klopp for keeping faith in him.
Sadly for the 32-year-old, he is now injured and the Reds boss confirmed after the win over Fulham that the duration of his absence ‘will not be a short one‘.
Konate will now almost definitely get the nod, and the Frenchman has what it takes to deliver alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back.
Nicol and Konate himself will be hoping he can cement a permanent place in the side. It will be interesting to see how he fares.
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