How Konate is not now serving a one-match Premier League ban has baffled almost everyone. Those of both Red and Blue persuasion agree he should have been issued his marching orders in the 2-0 victory over Everton. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and captain Virgil van Dijk concurred that the France international was fortunate to remain on the pitch.
When he bundled over breaking Everton striker Beto, a second yellow card seemed inevitable. Instead, it was Toffees boss Sean Dyche who went into Craig Pawson’s notebook for his remonstrations. And it was telling that Konate was on his last chance when Klopp immediately turned to Joel Matip to take off his training top and ready himself to be introduced. In truth, it was somewhat of surprise to see Konate in the starting line-up. Although widely regarded as Virgil van Dijk’s strongest centre-back partner, he’s not held that remit for much of the early season. It was the former RB Leipzig defender’s first Premier League appearance from the outset in eight matches – and maiden start in two months.
Konate’s had a habit of picking up minor injuries during his Reds career and his minutes have been carefully managed in 2023-24. And after featuring twice for France during the international break, it made it more pquestionable why Konate was given the nod over Matip against Everton.
Ibrahima Konate must have found a four-leaf clover, had a ladybug land on him and spotted a rainbow on the eve of the Merseyside derby. Luck was firmly on the side of the Liverpool defender.
