Speaking to Prime Casino, Gallas was effusive in his praise of his fellow Frenchman who he says has moved up to another level this campaign:
“Right now, I think the best defender in the Premier League this season is Ibrahima Konate. At this moment in time, on current form, it has to be Konate. He improved a lot from last season. He’s very solid. But I’ve seen some of his games now and it looks like nobody wants to challenge him. When you have that aura, that presence, that’s magnificent for a defender to have.”
“I’m sure most strikers or wingers don’t want to play against him. They don’t want to have the challenge against Konate. When Liverpool played at the Emirates, [Gabriel] Martinelli didn’t want to challenge him. He already knew he was going to lose that duel. Konate, if he continues like this, will be the best. He will be in the starting 11 for the Premier League team of the year.”
Martinelli agrees with Gallas
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast earlier this week, Gabriel Martinelli named Konate and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker as his two toughest opponents.
The fact that Gallas points out Martinelli’s reluctance to challenge Konate in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool reinforces the effect the centre-back can have on opposing players.
Liverpool have the best centre-back partnership in the league
While many have waxed lyrical about Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel in recent years, Konate and Virgil van Dijk have outshone them so far this season, with the Reds having only conceded 6 times in 11 league games.
Many would assume that Gallas would name van Dijk as the best defender, considering the Dutchman’s form, but he is probably correct to single out Konate based on his current performances.
