This season has witnessed numerous Liverpool players elevating their status among fans.
Some individuals, like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Alisson Becker, have long been recognized as club legends. Their reputations were already firmly established prior to this season.
However, for other team members, doubts lingered following a disappointing conclusion to the previous campaign.
Ibrahima Konate particularly felt the pressure after struggling through an underwhelming finish last season. His position in the starting eleven was precarious at best, with Jarell Quansah gaining favor alongside Van Dijk at the onset of this term.
Yet, Konate has made a remarkable comeback. Following an impressive performance against Aston Villa recently, former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor noted a wave of admiration from fans for their number five player.
Konaté Wins Over Liverpool Supporters
A among several contenders for Player of the Season honors thus far is Konaté himself. The 25-year-old appears revitalized within Arne Slot’s tactical framework and significantly contributes to Liverpool’s defense — with just six goals conceded across 11 matches in the Premier League so far.
Following his commendable display against Villa, Agbonlahor took it upon himself to name him in his Team of the Week on TalkSPORT. In his explanation for including Konaté, he highlighted how supporters have been vocally celebrating him during games.
“You can clearly see how much affection Liverpool supporters have for him,” Agbonlahor remarked. “Whenever he executes an interception or makes a strong tackle, they chant his name passionately — he’s simply an exceptional defender.”
“He’s powerful and assertive while also possessing good ball skills — quick on his feet as well. Players like Rogers or Watkins from Aston Villa tried sneaking past him but he reclaimed possession each time without any effort.”
Spotlight on Two More Reds in Agbonlahor’s Selection
This truly seems to be Konate’s breakthrough season; every decisive contribution from him elicits euphoric cheers from Anfield with shouts of “IBOUUUU!” resonating throughout when he performs admirably.
Konate wasn’t alone under Agbonlahor’s gaze; both Caoimhin Kelleher and Salah also made it into his premier lineup selection this week.
{For Kelleher}, Agbonlahor expressed: “His performance against Aston Villa was nothing short of brilliant—those crucial saves during set-pieces kept Liverpool narrowly ahead until Salah doubled that lead later in the game.” He praised Kelleher for not only stopping shots expertly but also distributing decisively.
{$On} Salah’s standout plays: “He returned to form magnificently—Villa had no answer to what Mo delivered,” concluded Agbonlahor regarding another key figure who exhibited extraordinary talent on matchday.