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As the 2024/25 season continues to unfold, Ibrahima Konate has been a standout performer for Liverpool, showcasing his resilience and determination despite a recent knee injury.

The French defender’s form has been pivotal to the Reds’ impressive start under new manager Arne Slot, with Konate forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defense.

A poor end to the season under Jurgen Klopp last term made it so the Dutch manager started Jarell Quansah for the first game of the season against Ipswich Town in August.

However, Slot replaced the England U21 international with Konate at the interval of that game – and it’s safe to say the Frenchman has not looked back ever since.

Ibrahima Konate.

Based on 2584 minutes played.

However, Konate’s progress was briefly halted when he suffered a knee injury in the dying seconds of Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.

Initially feared to be a six-week absence, Konate’s dedication and the club’s medical team ensured he returned to action sooner than expected.

And despite his strong showings this season, the Frenchman still pays his dues to his mentor at the club.

What did Ibrahima Konate say?

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the 25-year-old revealed his excellent relationship with Virgil van Dijk, and spoke about how he still manages to surprise Konate to this day.

“What a defender!” he said of Van Dijk

“I think if we talk about him and what he has done, it’s unbelievable.”

“I have a very good relationship with Virgil on the pitch and outside of the pitch

And when I came here as a 21-year-old he gave me a lot of advice and helped me with my adaptation here.

“When I was in Leipzig I watched some games of Liverpool and I didn’t realise how good he was.”

“Then when I came here, sometimes I’d think, ‘No

How is this possible?’ And now I think because he’s too good, some strikers see Virgil and are just thinking: ‘I have no chance against him.’”

Konate continued:

“On the pitch I need him and I think it’s the same way for him, hopefully

I know how good he can be for me and we just work together and try to be the best partnership in the world.

“For me personally, before I had my injury [in late November] I think we were on the top level and I think a lot of people felt that as well, but we know that we just have to keep going in this way.”

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