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Resurgent Liverpool star has senior Anfield hero to thank for Anfield comeback

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By Arindam Talukdar

Liverpool are indeed enjoying a fantastic start to the season, both domestically and in Europe. Their recent 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League underscores their dominance across competitions. Much of their success can be attributed to their rock-solid defence, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté forming a formidable partnership at the back.

In the Premier League, the Reds have only conceded two goals in their first six matches, a testament to their defensive resilience under Arne Slot’s management. Van Dijk’s leadership and Konaté’s athleticism have been crucial to maintaining Liverpool’s perfect record. With both players in top form, Liverpool’s ambitions for the season remain high, with hopes of securing both domestic and European silverware.

Konate scored but was also guilty of losing possession in the build-up to Wolves equalizer on Saturday (Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)

According to reports from The Athletic, Virgil van Dijk played a pivotal role in helping Ibrahima Konaté rediscover his form at Liverpool. After a challenging end to last season, when Konaté found himself receiving limited playing time under Jürgen Klopp, Van Dijk stepped in as a mentor. The Dutchman offered his encouragement, reminding the French centre-back of his potential and the heights he could still achieve in his career.

This support from Van Dijk seems to have paid off, as Konaté has returned to form, becoming an integral part of Liverpool’s defence this season. His partnership with Van Dijk has contributed to the team’s defensive strength, helping them keep a string of clean sheets in both the Premier League and Champions League. The rapport between the two centre-backs is vital to Liverpool’s success as they push for titles on multiple fronts.

Class Act from the skipper

Konaté has openly expressed his gratitude for the support he received from Virgil van Dijk, acknowledging that it played a significant role in helping him regain his best form. Their current partnership is now widely regarded as the best defensive duo in the Premier League, surpassing even Arsenal’s formidable pairing of Gabriel and William Saliba.

Van Dijk has had many defensive partners during his time at Liverpool, but Konaté’s potential stands out. The Frenchman has the talent to develop into one of the best defenders in world football, both for Liverpool and his national team. Van Dijk’s mentorship on and off the pitch has clearly been instrumental in Konaté’s progress, and the duo’s chemistry has translated into stellar performances, making Liverpool’s defence one of the strongest in Europe.

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Given the impact Van Dijk has not only on the field but also in shaping the future of younger players like Konaté, securing his contract extension should be a top priority for Liverpool. His current deal expires at the end of the season, and his leadership, both as a player and a mentor, is something the Reds cannot afford to lose.

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