Slot discusses where ‘top class’ Liverpool star can improve | OneFootball

Arne Slot has called Ibrahima Konate a ‘top class’ defender but has discussed where he believes the Liverpool centre-back can improve.

Konate has had an impressive season at Liverpool and the Frenchman has confirmed he has been offered a contract extension at Anfield.

Slot started the 25-year-old on the bench for the season opener at Ipswich in August, before Konate impressed after being introduced as a half-time substitute. He has been first choice alongside Virgil van Dijk for the remainder of the campaign, with Liverpool leading the Premier League title race and boasting the division’s best defence.

Speaking ahead of a reunion with Ipswich this weekend, Slot was asked for his view on a solid campaign for the France international. He said there is ‘not a lot’ Konate can improve defensively, but is keen to see progress in the player’s distribution from the back.

“I already think he is very good. Playing out from the back, maybe he can improve but he is already improving,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference.

“Defensively, he is top class. There’s not a lot he could or can improve. Bringing the ball out of the back is not an individual job, he needs his teammates to do that. That starts from bringing the ball out from the back.”

Slot also discussed his selection dilemma at left-back, having rotated between Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson in recent weeks. Tsimikas has earned more regular football this season with Robertson’s form having been under scrutiny.

“If he wasn’t at the same level to Robbo, it would be a risk to play him,” Slot said on the Greek full-back.

“I don’t know what his level was last year, but since the pre-season tour in America he has proved he can play in the left full-back position.

“We’ve got two good options and are managing loads quite a bit.”

Read – Liverpool injury news: Slot confirms midfielder will miss Ipswich clash

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