Ibrahima Konate Player Thread (D)

Very good when he came on, fair play to Arne for seeing something off with the back line and changing it up.

When he's on it he can dominate any game......just needs to cut out the erratic brainfarts in his game with trying to win every ball and sometimes vacating his position to do so.

Ibou stats today;

-45mins played
-28/30 passes (93%)
-36 touches
-2 clearances
-2 recoveries
-1 block
-1 interception
-4/5 duels won (80%) - the one I'm sure Arne would've been pleased about the most.

On form he's the best CB at the club.

On form he's the best CB at the club.

That would still be VVD for me

On form he's the best CB at the club.

I wouldn't go quite that far.

That would still be VVD for me

Same for me, quite frankly I think he's head and shoulders above everyone else.

Yes the answer to that particular question is VVD.

People go a bit silly on here sometimes. Same when they say Bradley is our best option at right back.

VVD has been 1 of the best CBs in the world over the last 7-8 years. Many people would say he's been the best. Obviously the Pickford inflicted injury had a significant impact on him. I think that there have been a few occasional moments in games recently that show that his ability is starting to wane and age is catching up with him. I think he's still 1 of the best in the world.

Konate is still a fairly young man, especially for a defender. He's got significant potential to develop into an exceptional player, especially if he can stay fit to play more regularly.

IMO he's not at VVD's level yet but if people on this forum compare him to VVD it's a positive sign for the future of the club.

Ibou when he wants to be, is a top class CB but as others have rightly pointed out - doesn't come close to Virgil when both are on their best day.

He might not be ready to play a game every week.....but he may be able to play 45mins of a game every week. 

Not sure VVD now is head and shoulders above think the major difference is distribution especially the longer balls as highlighted for Salahs goal .Ibou more of a out and out defender blocks he does.again highlighted weekend better than VVD

Should have clarified my original post on this.

I mean Virgo where is is now in Konate on top form I think the latter is the best we have.

This fella staying fit could be the difference between a  place or two in the table he is that important to that right hand side

This fella staying fit could be the difference between a  place or two in the table he is that important to that right hand side

Thats the big thing isnt it. Theres 1 & 1/2 games  If he can make it 10 & 1/2 games in a row, sweet

And tidy up his passing 👌

How good was he yesterday

How good was he yesterday

Yes you never really noticed him, so he must have been very good

I wonder how good do you guys really rate him. I think he's a very good CB but he misses something extra that gives him an edge on his counterpart. He's physically very strong and good in the air, no debate. But his passing is ok, he's not a real threat for corner kicks and he does not progress the ball as he could. Too young to be a leader in a team full of them.

He'll be a great great CB if he keeps learning from VVD and with a proper coach but I believe that he's not as goods as Kounde, Saliba, Stones, Ake, White, Martinez. Very reliable guy but just not at the top of the game I would say. Would you agree?

I think he suits Arne's slow paced build up better than Klopp's heavy metal because he gets caught up in stupid positions a CB should never find themselves in vacating the place behind him and often commits to making stupid fouls.

Calm football = calm defending.

His passing is hit and miss, there was a spell last season he was hitting some incredible long balls.....then he'd misplace a simple 5 yard pass.

It'd be nice if his injury issues were behind him now and we would have him fit for at least one season....because 54 league appearances in 3 full seasons for someone that should've been Virg's long term partner, isn't good enough.

I think he suits Arne's slow paced build up better than Klopp's heavy metal because he gets caught up in stupid positions a CB should never find themselves in vacating the place behind him and often commits to making stupid fouls.

Calm football = calm defending.

His passing is hit and miss, there was a spell last season he was hitting some incredible long balls.....then he'd misplace a simple 5 yard pass.

It'd be nice if his injury issues were behind him now and we would have him fit for at least one season....because 54 league appearances in 3 full seasons for someone that should've been Virg's long term partner, isn't good enough.

Yes. I agree.  It seems Arne Slot is more calm in his approach. Klopp relied a lot on the offside trap, which is very demanding.

Absolutely outstanding this season.

Big man is elite - let's hope he stays fit to prove it (again).

Absolutely outstanding this season.

Big man is elite - let's hope he stays fit to prove it (again).

He has brought a bit of ball carrying in his game like Matip. I think controlling the game really helps him to get the best of his attributes.

The aerial threat is a much-needed part of his game if he wants to be regarded as one of the best around.