Arne Slot has successfully discovered the ideal replacement for Ibrahima Konate, as Liverpool address a key position issue.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may have found the ideal replacement for injured centre-back Ibrahima Konate. Since taking over from Jurgen Klopp this season, Slot has exceeded expectations, with Liverpool leading both the Premier League and Champions League.

Konate has been crucial to Liverpool’s success, making 18 appearances despite an injury during their 2-0 win over Real Madrid. With the 25-year-old still unavailable, Slot appears to have found a solution in midfielder Wataru Endo.

Endo, who joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023, made a rare start in Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Southampton, this time playing as a central defender. The Japanese international has struggled to secure a regular spot under Slot but impressed greatly on Wednesday, earning the man of the match award.

Liverpool fans took to social media to praise his performance, with one writing: “Every club needs an Endo. Doesn’t make a fuss, plays wherever he’s asked and goes home.” Another fan agreed, adding, “Endo is the only player who always performs well, whether starting or coming on as a substitute.”

Endo joined Liverpool in August 2023 from Stuttgart for £16.2 million. While he was key to Liverpool’s success in Klopp’s final season, making vital contributions, he has made only 11 appearances under Slot, mostly as a substitute. However, Slot has been full of praise for Endo’s mentality and quality this season, saying after Wednesday’s match: “If I have to give someone a big compliment, it should be Endo. Playing so well in a different position shows his quality and ment

ality.”