In addition to Virgil van Dijk, who has recovered from a long injury and is in Klopp’s ensemble, Konaté currently alternates almost regularly with Joel Matip in the other central defender position. Only fourth choice, however, is Joe Gomez, after all, England international and Premier League-Title winner.
Konate’s speciality: corner – goal
While Matip acts calmly with his serious playing style and reliability, Konaté plays the classic counterpart: When he’s on the field, there’s fire in it. Defensively he is spectacular and up front he is a veritable header monster. Both against Benfica Lisbon in the Champions League quarterfinals, as well as in FA Cup-Semifinals against Manchester City at Wembley he scored with a head. The three goals were scored almost identically: Konate climbed highest after a corner from the left and headed in irresistibly.
“He looks pretty impressive”says van Dijk about his neighbor. “And above all, he is very mature for his age”, thinks the Dutchman. Van Dijk finds: “He still has a lot to learn but he has such a good mentality. He wants to learn and improve and we need that.”
Joel Matip – sovereignty personified
Joel Matip doesn’t have to improve much in his game. The former Schalke player, who has been at the Attack Road is employed is currently playing the season of his life. With his overview, calmness and intelligent opening of the game, he has matured with van Dijk to become the best pair of central defenders in the Premier League. Which, by the way, is also seen in England. In February, Matip was named Premier League Player of the Month. An award that doesn’t typically go to central defenders.
The joy was correspondingly great. Also with Jurgen Klopp. “Joel doesn’t get a lot of headlines. But I’ve mentioned it before: I don’t care that much about individual player awards in football. But if someone deserves that award then it makes sense that this time it’s Joel’s turn. It really is cool.”
Type without airs and graces
After almost six years at the club, the 30-year-old can now look back on numerous title wins. With Liverpool, Matip has won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the English League Cup and the Premier League title, among others. The central defender has also achieved cult status among Liverpool fans. One appreciates his reserved nature. He appreciates his “normal guy, without airs and graces”recently wrote “The Athletic“.
In any case, Jürgen Klopp faces one of his most difficult decisions before the second leg against Villarreal: who should he play? Konate or Matip? This secret will only be revealed when the line-up form is filled out one hour before the start of the game.
Source: oh yes