Gary Neville raises major questions over Liverpool star vs Arsenal
Liverpool have not been strong defensively this season.
Liverpool needed two late goals to defeat Bournemouth on the opening day after surrendering a 2-0 lead in the second half.
Rio Ngumoha then needed to step up with a 100th-minute winner to snatch Liverpool a 3-2 victory at 10-man Newcastle United, where the Reds again let a late lead slip.
Gary Neville has labelled his criticism of one Reds defender, despite Liverpool sealing a huge 1-0 win over Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Ibrahima Konate singled out by Gary Neville
Ibrahima Konate has endured a miserable start to the season.
Konate has been heavily criticised for his poor performances over the first two games, where he has been embarrassed on the transition by opposing forwards regularly.
| Ibrahima Konate vs Newcastle United | Total |
| Fouls committed | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 2/4 (50%) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
In the first half against Arsenal, Konate was relatively untroubled in what has been a poor game, but Neville still found a way to single him out.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Premier League on 31 August, he said: “Konate has been questioned in these first few weeks of the season; it’s not been his best start.”
Following that, the French enforcer was everywhere before he needed to be replaced due to injury.
- Read more: Liverpool expected to complete ‘essential’ Marc Guehi transfer as bargain bid now revealed
Konate needs to sort his contract situation out to help out his form
Konate is still in the midst of transfer negotiations with Liverpool, with the prospect of a free transfer to Real Madrid on the cards.
However, it is clear to all that the issues with his contract are beginning to creep their way into his performances, just like what happened with Trent Alexander-Arnold against Manchester United in January.
The Frenchman needs clarity on his situation and should make it public, unlike Alexander-Arnold, who waited until the start of May to announce his desire to join Real Madrid.
Preferably for Reds fans, he signs a new deal and stays at Anfield long-term, but his performances currently say the opposite.
Sign up for the Liverpool News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Liverpool news sent straight to your phone.