Micah Richards explains why 'top class' Ibrahima Konate is a leader in Liverpool's defence

Konate in action for Liverpool || Credit: Imago

Micah Richards explains why 'top class' Ibrahima Konate is a leader in Liverpool's defence

Evans Ousuru • 17:20 - 30.09.2024

The Frenchman scored the first goal against Wolverhampton and proved solid in defence, earning high praise from Micah Richards.

Former Premier League defender Micah Richards believes centre-back Ibrahima Konate has so much potential and thinks the Frenchman could become top class after his quality display against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Richards, who played for Manchester City said Konate, has all the tools to be a top class centre half even though he came on as a second half substitute.

"His positioning has got a lot better, you see the size of him, the frame of him. In the air he's really good," Richards said.

Konate also scored for the Reds. Speaking about Konate's goal, Richards said: "This is what he can do, when he's given the licence to go forward and win the header."

But, he does believe there are some improvements that the 25-year-old needs to make before fulfilling his potential, such as communication and being the leader at the back.

"For Wolves' goal there was a communication error between Alisson and him, just kick it out don't worry about it - safety should always be first," said Richards.

Konate's first top-flight goal had given the visitors the lead at Molineux, before Rayan Ait-Nouri equalised for Wolves following a mix-up between Konate and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

The Reds restored their lead on 61 minutes, Mohamed Salah converting a penalty after Nelson Semedo pushed Diogo Jota in the box.

Slot said after the victory that being ahead of the rest so early on in the season doesn't say much, but apart from that blip against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, Liverpool are now one point clear of rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, after winning five of their six matches.