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Konate Aims for Glory Alongside Salah
In a recent interview, Ibrahima Konate expressed his determination to help his remarkable teammate, Mo Salah, secure his first Ballon d’Or. The French defender emphasized the need for the team to achieve success this season, as he believes Salah’s exceptional performances could lead to this prestigious accolade.
“Salah’s contributions this season have been nothing short of incredible,” Konate remarked, highlighting the forward’s outstanding form since joining Liverpool. Despite Salah being 32 years old, which typically signifies a player’s peak nearing its end, he continues to defy expectations. Currently, he leads the race for the Golden Boot, maintaining an impressive average of contributing to a goal every 57 minutes.
While Salah’s goal-scoring abilities are evident, Konate also acknowledged the forward’s invaluable role in supporting his teammates off the pitch. This support motivates Konate to repay the favor by striving for success that could elevate Salah’s chance of winning the Ballon d’Or, especially considering the forward’s previous best finish was fifth.
Konate stated, “I genuinely hope we can achieve remarkable things this season because if Mo continues at this level, he has a real shot at the Ballon d’Or.” He added, “Salah isn’t one to focus on individual accolades; for him, it’s all about winning matches and sharing his wealth of experience with younger players. It’s phenomenal to see someone of his age maintain such a high level of professionalism.”
Reflecting on his initial thoughts of joining Liverpool, Konate admitted he was already aware of Salah’s talent but was pleasantly surprised by the quality of defender Virgil van Dijk. Now, after three years playing alongside van Dijk, Konate feels their partnership could rival any center-back duo globally, including the likes of Arsenal’s Gabriel and William Saliba.
“Van Dijk is an extraordinary defender,” Konate said, recalling how he underestimated the Dutchman’s skills before arriving at Anfield. “When I first joined, I received a lot of advice from him, which significantly aided my transition to the Premier League.”
Additionally, former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his hopes that key players like Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and van Dijk will remain with the club amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Konate also praised the tactical changes implemented by new manager Arne Slot, contrasting it with Klopp’s “heavy metal” style. He noted the positive impact Slot’s approach has had on both the team’s defense and overall cohesion. Statistical evidence suggests that Liverpool’s defense has become more resilient compared to previous seasons.
“Trent’s offensive contributions create more space for me defensively, and the manager’s defensive philosophy has united the team,” Konate explained. “This season, we’re better organized, and everyone is committed to assisting one another when we lose possession. The manager’s strategic understanding of opposing teams has undoubtedly made a significant difference for us.”
As the season progresses, Konate remains hopeful that his team’s dedication will not only propel individual accolades for Salah but also secure collective success for Liverpool.
Source
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