Report: Ibrahima Konate really appreciated what Virgil van Dijk privately did for him after struggles last year
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Liverpool are enjoying a good start to life under Arne Slot after seven wins from their first eight games of the season.
There was uncertainty surrounding how Slot would do stepping into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp over the summer.
But the new Liverpool head coach has handled things exceptionally well. It’s still early days, but Liverpool look good for a Premier League title charge.
Underpinning that good form has been a watertight defence. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have started the Reds’ last five league games, keeping three clean sheets.
It has been particularly pleasing to see Konate back in form after a difficult end to last season.
And after the Frenchman scored a second goal in three games at Wolves on Saturday, it has now been revealed that Van Dijk has been crucial to reigniting his centre-back partner.
Virgil van Dijk help crucial to Ibrahima Konate
Van Dijk raved about Konate after his goal against Wolves on Saturday. The bond the two defenders share is obvious.
Clearly, putting the ball in the back of the net is not Konate’s primary job at Liverpool. But the fact that he is doing so after more than two barren years is very pleasing.
What is even better is that the 25-year-old looks back to his best defensively, too.
After a really difficult period for Konate at the end of last season, it was not a given that he would return to his previous form.
READ MORE: Micah Richards shares what Ibrahima Konate needs to do to reach the next level
Jamie Carragher was one of those who blasted Konate for a downturn in the final months of Klopp’s reign and a big response was needed from the No.5.
Thankfully, he has provided it. And according to The Athletic, Van Dijk played a key role in Ibou’s renaissance.
They claim that the Liverpool captain ‘tried to keep Konate’s spirits up by reminding him of the heights he was capable of reaching.’
The France international is said to have really appreciated Van Dijk’s support, which is described as ‘unwavering.’
Virgil van Dijk underlines captain credentials
Throughout Van Dijk’s time at Liverpool, the one thing that has been missing for him has been a regular, consistent partner.
The Dutchman won the Champions League next to Joel Matip, the Premier League largely alongside Joe Gomez, the FA Cup with Ibrahima Konate and a couple of League Cups beside a mixture of the three.
But while Matip was a wonderful player who really complimented Van Dijk, Konate has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
However, it’s clear that the former RB Leipzig man benefits so much from playing next to his captain.
And that is an unfortunate reminder that Van Dijk’s future beyond this season is still uncertain. The No.4 is so much more than just a superb defensive partner for Konate and the rest, he is the man they can rely on for off the pitch support, too. Virgil is a true captain and Liverpool need to remember that in the coming months.
