Worse than Konate: Liverpool star is now a “far bigger issue than Salah”
Liverpool’s performance this season has not been up to standard, yet Arne Slot’s team secured victories in their last two matches—against Inter Milan and Brighton & Hove Albion—while maintaining clean sheets in both games. The reigning Premier League champions have found themselves overwhelmed at the start of this season, slipping from title-contending status to a battle for form to stay competitive with the top half of the table.
It’s been insufficient, and numerous performances have lacked coherence and intensity, making them unjustifiable, distinctly different from last season’s standards. Who better to reflect this decline than Ibrahima Konate, who has made several costly errors?
Konate’s slump in form
Liverpool boasts one of the most skilled rosters in Europe, and Konate is certainly part of that group, having been praised as “one of the world’s best centre-backs” by analyst Raj Chohan during the 2023/24 season. Yet, there are numerous flaws in his gameplay. The 26-year-old has been disappointing this season, central to a leaky defense.
Last season, Konate was a cornerstone for Slot’s team, perfectly pairing with Virgil van Dijk. Analyzing the downturn since the summer, it is interesting to note that the defender has still preserved much of his fundamental ability. The issue lies in his ongoing confidence crisis, as he continues to commit too many mistakes on the pitch.
Konate in the Premier League (under Slot)
| Stats (* per game) | 24/25 | 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Matches (starts) | 31 (30) | 16 (16) |
| Goals + Assists | 1 + 2 | 0 + 0 |
| Clean sheets | 11 | 3 |
| Touches* | 71.6 | 74.0 |
| Accurate passes* | 55.3 (90%) | 53.9 (90%) |
| Key passes* | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Ball recoveries* | 3.2 | 2.9 |
| Tackles + interceptions* | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Clearances* | 4.0 | 6.1 |
| Ground duels won | 2.0 (61%) | 3.0 (63%) |
| Aerial duels won* | 2.4 (71%) | 3.5 (72%) |
| Errors made | 3 | 4 |
Data via Sofascore
This has resulted in a wave of criticism, much of which is justified. Nonetheless, Konate is a formidable centre-back and has established himself as a key player in a Premier League championship team. Can he regain form and demonstrate his worth as he once did? Recent outcomes indicate he might be on the path to that, with Liverpool achieving two consecutive clean sheets after a dismal performance at Elland Road.
Furthermore, Slot has given his defensive leader support, stating after Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Inter at San Siro that he would “like to highlight” the performance of the Les Bleus talent. Then, against Brighton in the Premier League, Konate won ten duels and made clearances, contributing to another shutout. Is he making progress? Perhaps so. However, Konate isn’t the only player struggling within the Merseyside ranks this season; another Redman is at risk of becoming the new weak link in this Liverpool side.
Liverpool’s new biggest issue
You might believe this is transitioning to Mohamed Salah’s recent turbulent weeks at Liverpool. Following a dramatic statement at Leeds earlier in December, the Egyptian forward made it clear that his relationship with Slot has deteriorated after being sidelined for three consecutive matches.
He was then omitted from Liverpool’s journey to Italy, benched against Brighton, only to be substituted in and make a significant impact. Supporters of Liverpool remain hopeful that Salah will stay with the club at least until the season concludes, and he might still play a pivotal role in any potential successes the club might achieve before the season’s end.
However, noted Liverpool supporter John Sullivan has mentioned that Cody Gakpo is emerging as a “far bigger issue than Salah” on the left side. Gakpo is currently injured and missed the recent victories. Slot has adapted his system recently, introducing a diamond formation that has shown some effectiveness. Gakpo’s absence due to injury is notable.
Gakpo, 26, has faced his share of criticism this season, often being called out for one-dimensional performances, lacking creativity and flair on the left wing, leading fans to lament the summer move of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
Although the Dutchman remains a reliable scorer, with five goals and four assists this season, it’s undeniable that his usual cut-inside approach is growing stale, especially since he averages just one shot on target every two matches in the Premier League, according to Sofascore. Liverpool’s attacking flair has diminished this season, even with an influx of world-class attacking bargains. There’s a reason why FSG is reportedly interested in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, despite the pressing requirement for a centre-back.
Take Milos Kerkez’s recent upsurge as further evidence of Gakpo’s troubling status as the singular outright left winger in Liverpool’s squad. Kerkez, 21, was brought in from Bournemouth this summer, and he has yet to meet expectations, struggling as the left-back in Slot’s fatigued formation.
However, he is starting to improve, gaining momentum in Liverpool’s recent matches. In the game against Brighton, he was allowed to advance, resulting in him winning eight duels. Salah may be getting older, but he remains one of the world’s most dangerous attackers, and retaining him for the rest of the season is crucial. Conversely, Gakpo is facing a decline of a different type, hampered by a stylistic limitation that can only be resolved with a significant signing akin to that of Diaz. While Konate has the potential to rediscover his form as a key starter for Liverpool, Gakpo may not be suited for a fixed role on the wing, and Liverpool must address this issue promptly.
Published: 2025-12-16 20:40:00
source: www.footballfancast.com
