Whoscored stats confirm Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has enjoyed a great start to the season under head coach Arne Slot. Konate has played a pivotal role alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in solidifying the Reds’ defence, maintaining numerous clean sheets.
Liverpool have conceded five goals from 12 games in all competitions so far this season, winning 11 of those games. Slot’s tactical changes have allowed the team he inherited to become more efficient in both the defensive and offensive phases.
However, the Reds are facing tough top opponents in the excruciatingly congested fixture period with back-to-back games in quick succession. Liverpool have already defeated Chelsea at Anfield and RB Leipzig in the Champions League since the October international break ended.
The Reds will face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League clash on Sunday with serious consequences involved. Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League table and need to beat their title rivals, unlike last season.
The Reds drew three games and lost one against Arsenal and Manchester City last season, irrespective of the circumstances involved. Those drop in points proved costly in the end as they suffered a surprise dip in form late last season.
Konate struggled with consistency last season and Slot put Jarell Quansah ahead of him in the opening Premier League game. However, due to the physicality displayed by Ipswich Town’s forward, Slot introduced the Frenchman for Quansah in the second half.
The 25-year-old has established himself as the first-choice partner to Van Dijk since that game, delivering consistent performances for Liverpool. Konate has featured in 11 games for Liverpool in all competitions so far, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
The France international struggled with nagging injuries and fitness issues since joining the Reds, something he finally overcame this season. According to Whoscored via X, Liverpool star Konate has the best aerial duel win rate at 83.3% in Europe’s top five leagues this season among players who have contested 20-plus aerial duels.
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The Frenchman will play a crucial role against Arsenal on Sunday as the rotation policy could allow him a well-deserved rest in games that come afterwards.
