Slot must axe Liverpool ace who earns way more than Konate

Are the Liverpool first crew, who’re flying so excessive, the sum of Jurgen Klopp‘s dynasty or of Arne Slot‘s lightning-fast begin to life on Merseyside?

To make certain, Slot inherited a top-class crew, however he is inculcated his soccer philosophy with such slickness and elegance that it is as if Klopp has merely shed an outer layer, metamorphosing into an imperious new type.

It is fairly a factor that Liverpool had such a quiet summer time switch window and are working within the shadow of worrying contract conditions regarding Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, all into the ultimate 12 months of their offers.

So many gamers have been on the top of their recreation, however Ibrahima Konate may simply be the Anfield aspect’s participant of the season up to now.

Ibrahima Konate’s season in numbers

Konate has been a monstrous presence in central defence this season, and he is really beginning to rival his skipper, Van Dijk, for the prize as Liverpool’s star centre-back, with The Athletic’s James Pearce hailing the “imperious” partnership.

Konate won’t be as commanding as the opposite finish of Liverpool’s central defensive axis, however he is actually beginning to showcase his first-class high quality with the regularity that followers have yearned for proper since he stepped onto Merseyside in 2021, having signed from RB Leipzig for a £36m fee.

Accidents are behind him. Now let’s hope it simply stays that approach. Federico Chiesa might take a leaf from the hulking defender’s guide, however in the intervening time, the dynamic ahead’s future beneath Slot’s wing is not wanting good.

Federico Chiesa’s bleak begin

It is unimaginable, it truly is. Liverpool spent all summer time umming and ahhing, hesitant to launch an official bid at a brand new participant. Martin Zubimendi rejected the Reds, however Ryan Gravenberch has compensated for that failure after which some.

Chiesa was the only signing, and it is certainly unimaginable that he has scarcely performed for the membership, but nonetheless, they’ve made vital enhancements and perch atop the Premier League and Champions League tables because the November worldwide break will get underway.

With Liverpool’s frontline already well-stocked, Chiesa was not a essential signing, however somewhat a singular alternative. He is had his harm points, however Juventus needed to money in on a participant nearing the ultimate 12 months of their contract, and thus he was snapped up for just £12.5m in August.

It was at all times going to be a danger, however a relatively low one. Even so, Chiesa’s injury-ravaged begin to life in England provides shades of Klopp’s worst signing: Arthur Melo.

Arthur joined Liverpool from Juventus on a season-long loan on summer transfer deadline day in 2022. Having missed out on Aurelien Tchouameni and did not entice conversations with Borussia Dortmund, who held onto Jude Bellingham with an iron-fingered grip, this last-ditch try to shore up the midfield seemed like a panicked transfer from the offing.

Arthur’s health struggles overwhelmed him fully. He played the final 13 minutes of Liverpool’s Champions League defeat towards Napoli, and that was the sum of his aggressive motion for the Reds’ senior aspect.

Chiesa, at the very least, has already surpassed that, with three appearances (one begin) and one help to his title at Liverpool. Even so, the Italy worldwide, whose £150k-per-week contract is over double what Konate – £70k-per-week – takes dwelling, shall be fearful of turning into a forgotten determine so quickly into life on the banks of the River Mersey.

Let’s hold our fingers crossed, although maybe a swift exit – both short-term or on mortgage – could also be the very best resolution for all events in January, with reports already rife relating to a winter change.

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