Ibrahima Konaté: “A Great Team Performance” In Win Over Aston Villa
The French defender was again imperious in a win over a top half side. Liverpool now enter the international break with a 5 point lead in the Premier League.
Ibrahima Konaté has been in imperious form for Liverpool this season, and was absolutely sensational in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. Often left to defend acres of space on his own against Ollie Watkins and other attackers, the big French defender was perfect in duels in the match. He was so good that commentators on the US broadcast even suggested that Watkins try sliding over to try his luck against Virgil van Dijk.
Ibrahima Konaté is simply sensational.
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) November 9, 2024
Didn’t lose a single duel against Aston Villa.
- 5/5 duels won
- 4 clearances
- 100% tackle success rate
- 2 interceptions
- 93% pass completion
He’s one of the best defenders in the league. No question about that. pic.twitter.com/nfDKYntZ7p
After the match the gregarious Ibou was asked for his thoughts on the match and a huge three points. The win gave Liverpool a 5 point lead over Manchester City heading into the November international break. Konaté was happy with the win, and now just wants everyone to stay healthy over the break (don’t we all).
“Yeah, really important. We knew this week was very important for us, just before the international break. We got three points again and we are very happy. Now everyone goes with their national teams but we just wish everyone will come back fit. Thank you to the fans again. Like I said after the Champions League game, we need them. They were there, and thank you so much again.”
Ibou was impressed with his center back partner’s speed to get to a loose ball from a corner before playing it through for Mohamed Salah to start the sequence for the first goal. The defender was also quite happy to see Núñez be the one to get the goal.
“I didn’t expect he can run until there and give the pass to Mo! Honestly, it was a very good goal from Virg, Mo and Darwin at the end. I’m very happy for him [Nunez] and he has to keep going, keep pushing and he will score more goals, I’m sure.”
Both of Liverpool’s goals came off of Aston Villa set piece opportunities, and Liverpool in general did well yet again to win challenges in the big moments. When asked if he enjoyed the effort that went into holding Aston Villa scoreless, the defender said of course!
“Yeah, of course, this is my job. And when I defend, of course I enjoy it, when I win the challenge – I think this is the best thing for a defender. We have to say thank you as well to Caoimhin because he made two great saves from set-pieces from Aston Villa. A great team performance today”
Ibou had additional praise for Caoimhin Kelleher, who has stepped in place of the world class Alisson.
“He’s worked so hard since I’m here in Liverpool. He’s here before me but since I’m here he’s worked so hard and so well. And so when he has the opportunity to play, he just showed the world how good he is. Yes, I’m very happy for him.”
Konaté was also asked about the impact Slot has had on the squad after Liverpool have been in red-hot form over the first quarter of the season. While things have obviously gone even better than anyone could have expected, Konaté wants to wait until the end of the season before making assessments.
“You just have to see our results – we start the season very well. But I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. I know he’s a perfectionist but now it’s just the start of the season, we just have to work and to be better day after day. At the end of the season, we will see the impact that he brings to us.”
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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