Liverpool star Ibrahima Konaté issues Joe Gomez verdict

By Jordan Harris

Ibrahima Konaté has insisted to The Times that he has not only learned a lot from Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk since joining Liverpool, but also Joe Gomez, as he labelled the centre-back a ‘fantastic’ player.

Konate has had an interesting time since arriving at Anfield in the summer. Whenever he has played, he has been outstanding for the Reds. And Liverpool have not lost when the 22-year-old has played.

However, securing a regular spot in the side has been impossible for Konate since his arrival at Liverpool. Van Dijk has taken absolutely no time to rediscover his best form following his injury lay-off.

And Matip is arguably playing the best football of his Reds career. Of course, Konate is not the only player who has seen his game-time restricted for that reason.

Gomez has only made one start in the Premier League this term – and that came as a right-back. In fact, he has only made five starts in all competitions.

Ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Konate was asked what he was learning from Matip and van Dijk. But the Frenchman quickly pointed out that they are not the only two.

“Also Joe Gomez,” he told The Times. “A fantastic player. From them I learn everything but not just the defenders, I can learn from Thiago, [Alcântara] from Sadio [Mané] and Mo [Salah].”

Joe Gomez barely playing for Liverpool highlights level Jurgen Klopp’s squad have now reached

It is frightening just how much depth Liverpool now have across the board. And no situation highlights that better than Gomez being fourth-choice at centre-back.

He was integral in the year in which Liverpool won the Premier League title. And at 24, he should only just be approaching the peak years of his career.

There is going to be speculation about his future. But clearly, it would be a big boost if Liverpool could keep the likes of Gomez for years to come.

The partnership he could one day form with Konate could certainly be something special.