Liverpool could welcome Galatasaray to Merseyside next Wednesday, where they lead 1-0 in the Champions League last 16, but Anfield will be hoping Arne Slott’s side will thoroughly attack their opponents.
If they are to succeed, Liverpool cannot afford to make the mistakes that saw them underperform in their second defeat of the season against Istanbul at Rams Park this week.
If you break down the Reds’ problems this season, you’ll find many of them on display Tuesday. In attack, Liverpool were lackluster and directionless. Mistakes were rife at the back and Slot’s side were once again broken by a set-piece that slipped through an amateur defence.
Ibrahima Konate has had no shortage of criticism this season, but the France international remains one of the most talented centre-backs in the Premier League. Still, he has had his worst form in Turkey, putting another question mark over his future at Liverpool.
Latest information on Konate’s future at Liverpool
Liverpool made significant changes in the summer transfer window, but Slott’s second season was negatively affected by his failure to sign Marc Guehi despite reaching the top of his game.
As a partner of Giovanni Leoni who injured his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut against Southampton, there is a real concern. Next, consider the fact that they won’t have a new senior center back this winter, which is a headache.
Konate has waxed and waned throughout the year and has been cited as one of the keys to Liverpool’s collapse before Christmas this season. The fact that he was so irreplaceable from start to finish speaks volumes about FSG’s mistakes.
Ibrahima Konate: Liverpool errors by season (PL&UCL/UEL) | ||
|---|---|---|
season | app | number of errors |
25/26 | 35 | 7 |
24/25 | 38 | 5 |
23/24 | 29 | 1 |
22/23 | twenty one | 5 |
21/22 | 19 | 2 |
And of course, the 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season after sporting director Richard Hughes was unable to break through the negotiating barrier. Real Madrid attracted the attention of the Frenchman, but withdrew from the competition after too many failures on Konate’s side.
The error-filled game at Galatasaray was a reminder that the defender currently lacks the composure and consistency needed to maintain a good partnership with 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk.
In terms of numbers, Liverpool will need to retain his services, but it could be worth wiping out a clean slate and signing a replacement this summer, especially if Hughes and others are already moving to sign a new star centre-half.
Liverpool have already signed new signing Van Dijk
Liverpool didn’t bring in any elite talent to their squad in January, but they weren’t lazy by any means. The book added a variety of up-and-coming teenage stars who could land big roles in the future.
Jeremy Jacquet may not yet be playing in Liverpool colors, but an agreement has been reached for the 20-year-old to remain at Rennes for the remainder of his spell.
There have been a number of injuries at Anfield this season. In fact, it’s so contagious that Jacquet appears to have contracted the virus after signing a document this winter. He underwent shoulder surgery last month and will be racing to get fit for the start of preseason.
Although this is a setback, Jacquet has already built a formidable reputation in his home country and is a key part of Rennes’ backline, combining an aggressive, front-footed style with a natural aptitude on the ball.
Although he is considered to be similar to Konate, Jaquet is actually expected to do big things, with the potential to develop into a centre-back to rival Van Dijk in the future and one of the best players in the world.
His youth and inexperience do not hinder his quality play in Ligue 1, and he not only provides a tough challenge, but also has confidence on the ball and can deftly adjust the timing of his defence.
League Format 25/26 – Jaquet vs Konate | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (* per 90) | backgammon | Only those in the know know |
Match (start) | 19(19) | 28(28) |
Goal + Assist | 0+0 | 1 + 0 |
clean sheet | 5 | 7 |
touch* | 69.5 | 74.6 |
Exact path* | 51.2 (90%) | 54.5 (89%) |
Loss of ownership* | 6.3 | 7.6 |
Opportunities created* | 0.5 | 0.3 |
Ball recovery rate* | 4.1 | 3.3 |
Tackle + Interception* | 2.4 | 2.4 |
clearance* | 4.8 | 5.6 |
Ground duel* | 2.3 (62%) | 2.9 (66%) |
Aerial duel* | 1.9 (76%) | 3.5 (72%) |
error that occurred | 4 times | 4 times |
It’s worth noting that Jacquet himself is not without mistakes. But he is six years Konate’s junior and is only in his second season of regular top-level football.
Could he really become Liverpool’s new Van Dijk? It’s too early to say that definitively. However, Jaquet is one of the most talented young defenders in the world and, according to analyst and scout Ben Mattinson, has the potential to be a top-five centre-back in the world.
With Leoni recovering from injury and FSG willing to sign a new centre-back, there is a good chance that Jaquet will replace Konate.
In this respect, Liverpool could have created a superstar with the same qualities as Konate, but with the potential to equal or exceed Van Dijk.
Slots should drop the 4/10 Liverpool star who was as bad as Konate vs Gala
Liverpool suffered a blow in the away game against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
