Konate deal 'needs sorting out'
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says Ibrahima Konate's contract "needs sorting out" given the impact he and Virgil van Dijk have had at the heart of Liverpool's defence. On Match of the Day 2, Murphy said: "There was a lot of talk about Gabriel and William Saliba for a couple of seasons but these two have matched them this season."Look at the numbers when they play together compared to when they don't. It really is stark."We don't want to be in the same position next summer, Konate has only got a year left so that needs sorting out."
The pair have started together in the Premier League ten more times so far this season than last. Liverpool's points per game is up from 2 to 2.4 and their win percentage is up from 59 to 74.Earlier this season Konate missed six games with a knee injury. During that time Liverpool shipped nine goals. The Reds drew two of those games - 3-3 at Newcastle and 2-2 at home to Fulham. They did win the other four - one of which was the 6-3 at Tottenham.Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given agreed with Murphy's assessment: "On the back of a brilliant season, you have to tie him [Konate] down. You would imagine Van Dijk as well will be in Konate's ear, saying this could be the start of something major at the club."Watch MOTD 2 on BBC iPlayer
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