Virgil Van Dijk Individual Mistakes Cost Liverpool

Virgil van Dijkhas shown his appreciation forIbrahima Konateafter a tough season for the Frenchman, calling him a “fantastic defender.”

Konate has struggled than most for Liverpool this season, falling well below the level he has produced since arriving in 2021.

Thankfully, he has been noticeably better in the past two matches, helping the Reds keep consecutive clean sheets against Inter Milan andBrighton.

Speaking toreportersafter the 2-0 win over the Seagulls on Saturday, Van Dijk lauded Konate and discussed their on-pitch relationship.

“Everyone at his best helps, everyone in the team. That’s why it’s a team sport,” Van Dijk said. “Ibou is a fantastic defender.

“Obviously when the team is not performing as a collective, then we as the last line could be exposed. And that happened at times as well.

“Individual mistakes cost us, including myself at times. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game. It’s how you deal with it, how you react to it.

“I think Ibou, as an example, has been in the last two games especially outstanding. He’s working on things, like we all do.

“He helps me, I help him and that’s how it should be. We are not perfect. He wants the best for the club and I’m pretty sure that will be absolutely fine.”

Time for Konate to show he can lead Liverpool’s defence

Konate’s improved form of late has been much-needed, following some alarming performances amid links with a move toReal Madridnext summer.

It seems like no coincidence that he has looked focused since Madrid’s interest reportedly ended, withArne Slot“so happy”with him after the 1-0 victory away to Inter last week.

Konate is out of contract at the end of this season, so the coming months are vital, in terms of a contract extension being agreed.

• READ: Ibrahima Konate’s passionate verdict on Mo Salah: ‘I don’t think it was his last game’

If the 26-year-old does stay, he must show that he can be the future leader of Liverpool’s defence once the 34-year-old Van Dijk has gone.

On this season’s evidence, far consistency is needed, but he has done enough over the past four years to show that he can be a key figure for a long time.