How ‘Best in World’ Duo Van Dijk & Konaté Make Liverpool’s Defence Unbreakable | OneFootball

Van Dijk and Konaté: The Best Defensive Duo in World Football

I’d actually sell a kidney to keep them fit all season. Liverpool’s defensive solidity in the Premier League has been nothing short of impressive this season, and much of that is down to the centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Their combination of pace, power, and elite footballing intelligence has elevated Liverpool to one of the toughest teams to break down in Europe. There’s no denying it: this is the best defensive partnership in world football right now, and Liverpool’s success depends heavily on their fitness.

Photo: IMAGO

Dominance in The Air

There’s a reason why both Van Dijk and Konaté dominate their opponents in aerial battles. As highlighted by recent statistics, Konaté boasts a league-leading 75% duel success rate, the best among Premier League defenders. Van Dijk follows closely behind at 68%. In terms of aerial battles, Van Dijk sits in the 97th percentile, with Konaté slightly ahead in the 99th percentile, a testament to their dominance in the air. Together, they form an impenetrable wall, capable of winning high balls consistently, whether from set pieces or open play.

This aerial prowess has been key in keeping Liverpool secure at the back. With only two goals conceded in seven Premier League games so far, their impact cannot be understated. In fact, Van Dijk himself remains frustrated with even the minimal breaches of their defence, saying after a recent match, “It should have been 1 goal. That last goal vs Wolves is still bothering me.” This quote gives insight into his relentless pursuit of perfection, a quality that keeps both defenders at the pinnacle of their craft.

Passing Masterclass

While aerial dominance is crucial, it’s their ball-playing ability that sets Van Dijk and Konaté apart from other defensive duos. Virgil van Dijk is in a league of his own when it comes to passing, sitting in the 91st percentile for pass completion. His ability to launch pinpoint passes from deep to initiate attacks is unparalleled, and it’s this attribute that often makes him the starting point of Liverpool’s swift counter-attacks.

However, Ibrahima Konaté is no slouch either. Since joining Liverpool and playing under Jürgen Klopp, Konaté has significantly improved his passing range and accuracy. He’s now in the 92nd percentile for passes attempted and 89th for progressive carries. The development in Konaté’s passing ability under Slot has been a revelation, making him an excellent complement to Van Dijk. While Van Dijk remains the best in the world in this area, Konaté’s growth suggests that this partnership is only going to get better.

Photo: IMAGO

Importance of Fitness

The key to Liverpool’s long-term success this season rests on keeping both Van Dijk and Konaté fit. As much as Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are capable defenders, there is a significant drop-off in quality when either of the starting duo is unavailable. Gomez, a player with Premier League experience, lacks the aerial presence and distribution that Van Dijk and Konaté offer. Quansah, though promising, is still developing and doesn’t yet possess the tactical nous of his senior counterparts.

Liverpool’s defence has looked imperious when Van Dijk and Konaté have been on the pitch together. Their combination of physicality, reading of the game, and elite-level passing makes them irreplaceable. But, as with any world-class athlete, maintaining fitness throughout a gruelling season is a challenge. Any significant injury to either player could severely derail Liverpool’s title aspirations.

The Defensive Backbone to Liverpool’s Success

Van Dijk and Konaté’s performances this season prove that they are the defensive backbone that allows Liverpool to flourish. Not only are they leaders in the air, but their ability to progress the ball from the back is essential in Jürgen Klopp’s system. With both players in the 90th percentile or above in key defensive metrics, they have cemented themselves as the premier centre-back pairing in football today. The future of Liverpool’s season relies on these two staying healthy and continuing to dominate.