Ibrahima Konate is doing something UNBELIEVABLE for Liverpool

Liverpool’s defence under new head coach Arne Slot has been nothing short of impeccable.

Five goals conceded in 12 games in all competitions, still yet to concede more than once in a single game, and with seven clean sheets, it is clear that Arne Slot’s teams just do not give up that many chances.

And when they do, importantly, they deal with them. The abilities of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been well established over the years, but there was trepidation when Joel Matip’s contract wasn’t renewed in the summer.

Ibrahima Konate had other ideas. He was more than willing to step into the spotlight and has done so with aplomb.

Not only is the French international in the form of his life but he seems to be in the best physical shape of his life too. As pointed out by Simon Brundish on Twitter, Konate has never played more than nine games in a row without getting injured.

He currently has played seven full-90s in a row, including international games, whilst starting 10 games out of the past 11 for Liverpool - the only absence being a purposeful rest in the League Cup against West Ham - since replacing Jarell Quansah at half-time on the opening day of the season.

Konate's injury history

Since joining the Reds in 2021, Konate has struggled to remain fit for long periods of time, picking up knocks and muscle injuries that have disrupted his form in previous seasons.

In his first season at the club, Konate played in only 11 Premier League games. This increased to 18 in 2023/24 and 24 in 2024/24.

That record looks set to increase again this year, with Slot giving Konate plenty of starts in his short time at the club so far.

History does not bode well, however, as only once in Konate's career so far has he played more than 40 games for his club – all the way back in 2018/19 for RB Leipzig.

Key to Slot's defence

There is a reason that Konate is being given so much game time this season, as well as rumours of a contract extension. To put it simply, he has been very good.

His aerial duel ability is something that has stood out and already made headlines this season. He currently sits fourth in total aerial duels won for defenders in the Premier League this season - behind Newcastle’s Dan Burn, Everton’s James Tarkowski and his own partner Van Dijk - but has won over 10 percentage points more of those he has faced than Tarkowski and Van Dijk, and 20 points more than Dan Burn, sitting at 83.3%.

He does not lose in the air. This eliminates the ability for opposing teams to catch Liverpool out of position and play directly into their attackers to exploit Liverpool’s defensive transition. Van Dijk has always been league-leading in this regard, but having Konate next to him has added a distinct element to Liverpool’s defensive game.

And this is significant for this weekend’s upcoming game with Arsenal, as Gunners striker Kai Havertz is second in the league for aerial duels won (although his 45.9% win rate pales in comparison to Konate’s).

If Liverpool are going to be true contenders in all four competitions this season, Konate will be at the heart of all of it.