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Danny Murphy thinks he knows what happens to Liverpool whenever Ibrahima Konate doesn’t start
Danny Murphy has sent a warning to Liverpool over what happens whenever Ibrahima Konate doesn’t start as the defender continues to impress this season.
Konate played a key role in helping Arne Slot’s team win 4-1 against Ipswich Town as the defender secured an assist for Dominic Szoboszlai’s opener.
Another two goals from Cody Gakpo and one from Mohamed Salah secured three points for the Reds and kept them six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Following the pivotal win at Anfield, Murphy revealed just how crucial the French defender why Slot must focus on keeping him fit and in the team.
Ibrahima Konate is ‘undervalued’ at Liverpool
Danny Murphy claims that Ibrahima Konate is ‘undervalued’ at Liverpool and that Arne Slot’s side is worse when he does not start.
The former Liverpool midfielder explained how Konate’s ability on the ball has improved so much this season and is quickly becoming a key weapon for the Reds.
Konate produced a wicked pass for Szoboszlai’s goal which cut through the lines of Ipswich and saw Liverpool break the deadlock out of nowhere.
Murphy told Match of the Day: “I think if you want to be a Premier League title winner you need your centre-halves to play good football and Konate is undervalued in that respect.
“When he misses games they aren’t as strong. People think of his athleticism, tenacity and defending but he’s actually getting much better with the ball and more confident.”
Before the game, Slot told Konate he could improve his ball-playing ability and the defender obviously quickly took on-board that advice.
Liverpool’s record with and without Ibrahima Konate starting
Liverpool have been superb this season so even when Konate hasn’t started matches they still have an excellent record.
However, the stats still show an increase in terms of goals conceded for the Merseyside club when the Frenchman is not on the pitch.
The Reds have conceded an average of just 0.65 goals per game when Konate whilst that increases to 1.07 when they are without the 25-year-old.
| Games | Won | Loss | Drawn | Goals conceded | |
| With Konate starting | 20 | 16 | 1 | 3 | 13 |
| Without Konate starting | 14 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 15 |