It is no accident that Ibrahima Konate’s return to Liverpool’s starting eleven has directly coincided with an improvement in the Reds’ defensive solidity.
The Frenchman was absolutely integral in both halves of the action, particularly in the second 45 as he helped Jurgen Klopp’s men resist heavy pressure from the hosts to seal all three points.
@DaveOCKOP, James Pearce and Jamie Carragher were among several commentators who applauded the Merseysiders’ ‘game changing’ efforts on Twitter.
A game changer for Liverpool. Ibu Konate. pic.twitter.com/pgHhdqZWMw
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) November 6, 2022
Great result for @LFC ⚽️
MO Salah sensational, Nunez causing chaos as usual and Konate makes the team faster and more powerful! #TOTLIV
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) November 6, 2022
HT: Spurs 0 #LFC 2: Excellent 45min for Klopp’s men. It makes a big difference to play off the front foot early on and take control. Salah finished off a great move before earning his second after an error by Dier. Konate excellent. Half job done.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) November 6, 2022
It is nothing to sneeze at for Joe Gomez who, as the 1-0 win over Manchester City clearly showed, is more than capable of delivering world-class outings on the pitch.
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However, our No. 2 is struggling to match Konate’s ruthless consistency on the pitch, which is what continues to let him down when it comes to forcing himself back into Jurgen Klopp’s plans.
Competition can only breed greatness, of course, and we have no doubt it will inspire the Englishman to push himself even harder to match and perhaps exceed the impressive standard our French international is setting.
#Ep63 of the Podcast The Empire of the Kop: Klopp’s ridiculous accusations of xenophobia, Núñez shining… and more!