Liverpool duo Ibrahima Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk delivered another colossal performance against RB Leipzig in a 0-1 victory. The Reds beat Leipzig at the Champions League away game at the Red Bull arena to maintain their winning form.
Liverpool have won 11 out of 12 games in all competitions under new head coach Arne Slot during this season. While the Reds have a lot of areas for improvement, they have achieved positive results due to formidable defensive discipline.
Van Dijk and Konate have started the majority of the games as the first-choice centre-back pairing ahead of other options. Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah have played in the Carabao Cup victory of West Ham as the other centre-back pairing.
It is clear that moving Konate and Van Dijk at this moment is a daunting task for Quansah and Gomez. However, as the fixture congestion takes its toll, the duo will get ample opportunity to perform in the Reds’ defence.
Nevertheless, the first-choice pairing has set a very high standard as the Reds only conceded five goals in all competitions. At the same time, Liverpool have faced a shuffle in their goalkeepers due to the hamstring injury of Alisson Becker.
According to SofaScore, Van Dijk made two clearances, two interceptions and one tackle while boasting 100% aerial and ground duels. The Dutch captain made 74 passes with 95% passing accuracy while taking 81 touches to maintain possessional dominance against Leipzig.
Meanwhile, Konate made eight clearances, four interceptions, one tackle and blocked one shot for the Reds while imposing his authority. The Frenchman won one out of three ground duels and two out of four aerial duels during the game.
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Furthermore, Konate made 58 passes with 90% passing accuracy, taking 75 touches and delivering two accurate long balls. While offense helps in winning games, defence plays a crucial role in winning trophies which makes the consistency from Van Dijk and Konate very crucial for Liverpool.
