Key statistic shows why Arne Slot was right to make Liverpool Ibrahima Konate decision

Ibrahima Konate has emerged as a key player under Arne Slot at Liverpool. The centre-back has played a key role in Liverpool's impressive defensive record so far this season.

The Reds have conceded just twice in the Premier League under Slot with no team conceding fewer. Liverpool have also won five of their six league fixtures so far with their shock defeat to Nottingham Forest the outlier.

It's why Slot's decision in Liverpool's opening game was justified. The Dutchman raised eyebrows when he substituted Jarell Quansah for Konate at halftime against Ipswich Town, despite the newly promoted side causing the Reds all sorts of problems.

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Slot explained the decision as being due to Quansah not winning enough aerial duels. He said: “First thing was we don’t have to speak about tactics if you don’t lose so many duels.

“Not that Jarell [Quansah] lost every duel – many of us lost too many duels – but I think we needed Konate to win the long balls through the air from their number nine.

"That helped and gave us control. I don’t think Ipswich could keep up with the tempo in the second half.”

Slot's reasoning has paid off. According to TNT Sports, Konate has the best aerial duel success rate for any player to contest more than 10 in the Premier League this season. He also has a 100 per cent successful tackle rate.

It's an impressive show of statistics which explain why Liverpool have been so strong at the back. They say that defence wins you titles and that should excite Reds fans with Liverpool currently top of the table.

Whether Slot's team have been truly tested is another question. Arguably not with a poor Man United side their only challenge on paper.

However, that may not matter for the time being. Liverpool won't face a legitimate title contender until a clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on October 27.

Until then, it's expected that the Reds will continue their momentum and Slot's half-time gamble in August could result in Liverpool going on to achieve something special in 2025.