Alan Shearer delivers verdict on Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate’s display

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Ibrahima Konate was included by Alan Shearer in his Premier League Team of the Week column – heaping praise on the Liverpool star after Sunday.

Konate, 22, was afforded just his third Liverpool appearance on Sunday – and only his second Premier League outing, against Manchester United.

Combining with Virgil van Dijk, he was one of two surprise selections made by Jurgen Klopp. The gaffer also dropped Sadio Mane from his side.

It proved to be incredibly effective, with Konate and van Dijk complimenting eachother to perfection to stop Cristiano Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Diogo Jota scored – and Mo Salah got a hat-trick – at Old Trafford. Liverpool were perfect, and Shearer heaped praise on Konate.

“Liverpool’s summer signing kept Cristiano Ronaldo and co quiet in a superb performance alongside Virgil van Dijk. Rock-solid,” Shearer said.

Shearer on Konate: Liverpool defender passes tricky test

Beforehand, there were question marks over Konate. Joining for a sizable figure, he had only played twice. Was he good enough for the Reds?

Well, a clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford – marking Ronaldo – could have made or broken Konate. It has certainly done the former.

The Frenchman will now surely be in line to start against Brighton on the weekend, and perhaps even in the Champions League against Atletico.

For Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, it is a blow regarding their game time. But Konate deserves enormous praise, coming in cold to shine like he did.

In other Liverpool news, Gomez has reportedly held talks with Klopp over his future – amid doubts about his place in the England side.