Ibrahima Konate's incredible play against Arsenal that earned him the MOTM of the match

When it seemed that this season the spotlight in defense had been completely taken by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah, this match against Arsenal came to put the spotlight back on Frenchman Ibrahima Konate, an element that has been constant so far this season but only today has been able to stand out in an important match for Liverpool.

It is true that Konate is one of the men who knows best how to work without so many spotlights on him, but even being in a low profile, his performances have always been up to the demands, not disappointing on this occasion where one of his interventions very early in the game was the cause that kept the Reds with a clean sheet and with the possibility of beating Arsenal without having to make a comeback.

His solidity during every play at the center back earned him the recognition of the best player during the 90 minutes, being more than deserved that mention since the unexpected absence of Van Dijk was well solved by Konate, demonstrating the Frenchman that even without his great duo he can still be effective against his rivals. Despite all the recognition for Konate, this player expressed his happiness for the award, but from his point of view he believes that the MOTM should be given not only to him but to the whole group that fought together for the triumph of this third round in FA Cup, showing that the collective is for him and for everyone in Merseyside one of the strongest points that they have so far.

Konate shows the validity of the defenders this season

The nomination of Konate as one of the best players of the match is a clear sign that in Liverpool not only the attacking and midfield sector are the only ones doing well, and that, in defense, there are great interventions from all sides, highlighting from starters and substitutes so far, with Virgil van Dijk who is the face of this sector that looks more and more solid even with a weakened right wing without Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas available.