Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate has officially settled LAUGHABLE William Saliba debate

Liverpool seemed to have built a brick wall.

No, there hasn’t been any new work done on Anfield, this is a brick wall on the pitch.

As we all know and have seen, Virgil van Dijk is back to his very best. Questions were raised about the Dutchman's ability and whether he had lost his defensive presence, but he has proved everyone wrong so far.

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What has been a pleasant shock for Reds fans is the revitalisation of Ibrahima Konate.

The Frenchman is simply colossal. The impact he has had on the Liverpool backline this season is generational.

He never seems fazed by any attacker, stays calm in high-pressure situations and has formed a formidable partnership with our captain.

As a result, Arne Slot’s men have only conceded six goals in eleven Premier League games this season, and this is broadly thanks to Konate’s immense rise in form.

When Jarell Quansah was substituted at half-time against Ipswich on the first day of the season, fans were confused. He had a fairly decent opening 45 minutes but Slot was unsatisfied. In came Konate who before this, had shown signs of promise but wasn’t the full package.

Ever since that day, things have been different. Konate has made that second centre-back position his. Once, fans would emanate concern when seeing the Reds number 5 on the field. But that concern has turned to confidence.

Yesterday solidified this point even more. He didn’t lose a single duel against Aston Villa and had a perfect tackle success rate.

The man is unstoppable. Thanks to Slot’s trust and belief in his credentials, Konate has taken that praise into his stride, bringing conviction and reliance into his game

Konate surpasses Saliba

With the international break now dawning, the Reds defender will be heading off with his French teammates. One of these being fellow centre-half and Arsenal star William Saliba.

Saliba for the past two seasons has been one of the best defenders in the world. Not quite reaching the heights with Arsenal that they should have, he will be hoping for silverware with the Gunners this year.

However, the Arsenal captain looks well off the pace. Picking up a red card against Bournemouth and putting in average displays in the Premier League, it hasn’t been his season so far.

Konate seems more assured, more assertive in his position than Saliba.

This has also been reflected in the stats this season in the league.

Konate has kept five clean sheets compared to Saliba's three whilst the Reds defender has won 82% of his aerial duels while the Arsenal captain has only managed to win 54% of his.

Moreover, Konate has regained the ball 21 more times (144) compared to Saliba (123) so far.

This doesn’t take away from the fact that the Arsenal number two is still a quality player.

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But what stands out between the both of them is composure. Konate's seems to have found his while Saliba looks shaky and nervous. This is what sets Konate ahead of his French compatriot. At this stage the debate between the two of them is laughable.

Another question brewing in the depths concerns the French captaincy. Will Didier Deschamps head be turned?

Could he offer the role permanently to Ibou? He has briefly been captain when Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off against Belgium, but maybe its time to repay his phenomenal performances with the leadership role.

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