SLOT MAKE DECISION: Konaté has been exceptional for Liverpool up to this point; however, he will not be traveling to Milan due to a mistake made in the match against Nottingham Forest.

Ibou Konaté’s Season So Far: Dominant Presence, But Time for Caution

Ibou Konaté has been nothing short of spectacular so far this season, a standout for Liverpool, especially in aerial duels. As Liverpool fans and pundits celebrate his contributions, there’s a sense of caution brewing, particularly with the looming Champions League clash against AC Milan. Despite his impressive form, Konaté’s injury history suggests that now is the time for careful management. It’s a delicate balance between his dominance on the pitch and protecting him from further setbacks.

Konaté’s Aerial Supremacy

When it comes to aerial prowess, few can match Konaté this season. His performance against Nottingham Forest, where he won 6 out of 6 aerial duels, highlights his dominance. The fact that he came up against Chris Wood, a striker standing at 6’4”, and still maintained a 100% win rate speaks volumes about his ability to handle towering opponents.

But this isn’t a one-off. So far this season, Konaté has won an incredible 87.5% of his aerial duels. His ability to win balls in the air, both defensively and offensively, is unmatched. In fact, according to statistics, Konaté ranks in the 98th percentile for aerials won compared to other centre-backs in the men’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and Europa League over the last year.

It’s clear that Liverpool rely heavily on his physicality, especially in situations where the ball is constantly being lobbed into the box. However, this reliance poses a significant risk as the season ramps up.

Injury Woes and the Need for Management

While Konaté’s physical attributes are undoubtedly impressive, his injury record is a glaring concern. Last season, Konaté missed a significant portion of the campaign due to injury, sidelined for a total of 26 matches. These injuries ranged from minor muscle strains to more severe issues that kept him out for extended periods. With Liverpool entering a busy period, including the Champions League fixtures, it would be unwise to risk Konaté’s fitness by playing him multiple times a week.

Recent performances show how crucial it is to manage his minutes carefully. Since coming on against Ipswich, he’s been virtually flawless, winning all four challenges on top of his aerial dominance. Against Nottingham Forest, although the goal conceded wasn’t his fault, Konaté’s overall contribution was invaluable, showing his sharpness and commitment to the defensive cause. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that pushing him too hard can lead to further injury concerns.

The Case for Rotation: Enter Jarell Quansah

With Liverpool set to face AC Milan next in the Champions League, the temptation to rely on Konaté is understandable. However, a look at Milan’s tactics suggests this might not be necessary. Without Olivier Giroud, maybe the best in the air across Europe in his day, Jarell Quansah is more than capable of handling the challenge. Abraham, Pulisic and others will provide a test no doubt, but it’s one we should be confident he can handle. Quansah may lack Konaté’s experience, but this fixture is the perfect opportunity to rest the Frenchman and avoid risking his fitness twice in just four days. Liverpool would do well to rotate, giving Quansah valuable experience without compromising on quality. With Joe Gomez another fresh option and yet to taste a single minute, there are plenty of options available.

Liverpool have done well this season in terms of fitness management. Thanks to the efforts of Slot and Rueben Peeters, the squad has largely stayed fit, with only one absence per game on average. But as the busy period of the season approaches, it’s imperative that Liverpool manage players like Konaté with extreme caution. The Frenchman has been a cornerstone of the defence, and losing him for an extended period could have disastrous consequences for Liverpool’s campaign, both domestically and in Europe. We saw him in the training videos. Let’s hope we see him nowhere near the line-up.