Your morning digest for Monday, October 11.
Ibrahima Konate follows proven plan
Ibrahima Konate arrived at Liverpool from RB Leipzig as the Reds’ sole signing in the summer transfer window, but the young defender has only made two appearances so far.
Given the £36m that Liverpool spent to bring the Frenchman to the club, this may look like a peculiar strategy from the outside - but the 22-year-old is simply the latest example of Jurgen Klopp’s tried and tested method.
Fabinho did not make his first league start until October, while Andy Robertson was not a regular until December when he signed, with the immediate focus instead being placed on bedding into the Reds’ style of play, before becoming world-class in their positions.
Having received plaudits from Klopp and his potential defensive partners, it is clear that those inside Liverpool believe Konate is taking the right steps to become an important player for the Reds, in the long-term.
Paul Gorst has the full story here.
Man United suffer blow ahead of Liverpool clash
Manchester United have potentially suffered a major injury blow ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Sunday, October 24.
Raphael Varane was playing for France in the UEFA Nations League Final against Spain on Sunday night, but was substituted in the 43rd minute after going down on the pitch holding his leg.
The news adds another injury doubt to Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s list, as his centre-back partner Harry Maguire’s return date is also unclear.
With the severity of Varane’s injury as yet unknown and Maguire currently on the sidelines, it means that United could be without their first-choice defensive pairing when Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to Old Trafford later this month.
