Hendrick: “I Don’t Think People Realise Just How Important Ibou Has Been” | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Dilemma in Replacing Ibrahima Konaté

On the Daily Red podcast, Dave Hendrick didn’t hold back in describing the enormity of the task Liverpool face this summer: replacing Ibrahima Konaté, should the French defender leave. Speaking candidly, Hendrick declared, “I don’t think people realise just how important Ibou has been to this Liverpool team this season.”

With Arne Slot now at the helm, preparations for next season are underway, and Hendrick was keen to discuss the club’s growing activity in the transfer market. However, it’s Konaté’s situation that sparked a forensic breakdown of potential replacements.

No Like-for-Like Replacement Available

“You go through all those names,” Hendrick said, referencing a detailed list of Europe’s top defenders, “and it’s just very, very difficult” to find anyone capable of matching Konaté’s unique blend of pace, power, and defensive nous. “It would be embarrassing watching [Ruben] Dias try and do what Ibou does,” he scoffed, further highlighting how rare Konaté’s profile is.

Names like William Saliba, Alessandro Bastoni, Gabriel, and Ronald Araújo were considered, but each came with limitations. “Araújo is a massive talent… but he’s just always hurt. Even more so than Ibou,” Hendrick noted. Even the likes of Murillo, Christian Romero and Antonio Silva fell short in either aerial dominance or reliability.

In Hendrick’s view, “Usman Diamandé… he has the physical profile,” but concerns linger over consistency. Similarly, “Christian Mosquera is really good… but he’s not good in the air.” The conclusion was stark: there is no perfect successor.

Formation Shift Hinges on Ibou

The importance of Konaté becomes even more apparent when considering Liverpool’s tactical adjustments. With the potential addition of Jeremie Frimpong – “he is still largely going to operate as a winger,” Hendrick explained – Liverpool’s right-sided centre-back will be exposed to greater space.

“If Frimpong comes in, in fact, [Konaté] will be asked to do more than he has been next to Trent.” It’s a crucial role that few defenders can fill, especially not those “who are left-footed” or “don’t have the aerial side.”

Photo: IMAGO

Could Replacing Ibou Mean Two Signings?

With Diogo Hoijsen headed to Madrid and few centre-backs available who meet the profile, Hendrick speculated that “maybe you sell Ibou, you buy Diamandé, and then you buy [Koni] De Winter.” He added: “You have two shots at it.”

De Winter, according to Hendrick, ticks many boxes: “dominant in the air, quick, really good on the ball… very good one-v-one,” but again, “does get injuries.” It might come down to Liverpool seeking durability above all else: “You almost want someone that’s bulletproof.”

The Daily Red Offers Caution and Clarity

Throughout the episode, Hendrick reiterated the magnitude of what’s at stake. “Finding someone that can replace that is just very, very difficult,” he said, emphasising how integral Konaté is to Liverpool’s defensive framework.

This Daily Red instalment was a tactical masterclass in the challenges of modern squad building, especially for a team like Liverpool, where system compatibility is non-negotiable.

As Hendrick signed off, the underlying message was clear: if Liverpool are to challenge again under Arne Slot, replacing Ibrahima Konaté – should it come to that – will be one of the most delicate and consequential decisions of the summer.