Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards says one Liverpool player is “starting to worry” him, following a woeful performance in the 2-1 defeat away to Crystal Palace.
The Reds lost their first game of the season on Saturday afternoon, with Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time strike winning it for the Eagles.
Liverpool were dreadful in the first half, and while they improved after the interval, it was still hard to claim that the Premier League champions deserved anything from the match.
Speaking on Match of the Day [via Rousing The Kop], Richard said that Ibrahima Konate’s current form is a concern, following a poor showing at Selhurst Park:
“Konate is starting to worry me a little bit. Him and Van Dijk have been a good partnership, but his individual errors at this moment in time are just making the backline look a bit nervy. You know Liverpool always look good in defence, van Dijk always marshals the backline, but they give Palace too many opportunities for no actual reason, it was just being sloppy, and that is so unlike Liverpool.”
Konate’s form a cause for concern for Liverpool
While Konate has enjoyed some improved performances of late, this has been a worrying start to the season, amid doubts over his future at Liverpool.
The Frenchman has been an erratic presence at the heart of the Reds’ defence, both in and out of possession, and without the superb form of Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot’s side could be in a far worse position in the Premier League table.
Konate continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, but on this evidence, he is doing little to suggest that he is good enough to play for them or sign an improved contract at Liverpool.
With Giovanni Leoni around for a long period, and Marc Guehi not joining the Reds on deadline day – Slot desperately needs Konate to improve, or their titles hopes could easily suffer.
In fact, Joe Gomez could become the stronger option if the 26-year-old’s inconsistency doesn’t improve quickly, with his display at Palace shambolic at times, losing the ball and rarely looking settled.
