In his latest column, John Aldridge ponders Liverpool business in the transfer window and praises Ibrahima Konate
Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais
Jeremy Jacquet of Stade Rennais(Image: Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty Images)
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It may have been a bit of a late move in the transfer window, but I’m glad Liverpool are clearly planning for the future with the deal for Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes.
Like I suspect most supporters, I haven’t seen very much of him as a player, but at £60million and with Chelsea so keen on him, the lad clearly must have a lot of potential.
The only problem for me is that we haven’t brought him in this month, although I understand why he wants to stay in France for the rest of the season.
For me, Liverpool needed to improve the defensive options for Arne Slot. We have had too many injuries there this season, and one more and we might have some major issues.
And we need all the players we can if we are to get into the Champions League again. It is imperative that we qualify, if only from a financial point of view.
It’s going to be a massive scrap for what is likely to be a top-five place to ensure qualification.
Chelsea are coming into form and were always going to be there or thereabouts, but the big mover has been Manchester United.
They are back to thinking they are great again because they’ve won a few games, but in all seriousness they look like they might actually know what they are doing on the pitch and will be a big danger.
Liverpool have Chelsea at home, United away and Aston Villa away in the final few weeks of the season, so it might all come down to that.
Much like Villa, Manchester City have really lost their way of late and could be under threat from Liverpool, United and Chelsea.
City come to Anfield on Sunday and, having seen a lot of them in recent weeks, Liverpool are well capable of beating them as long as they start the game strongly.
Arsenal must surely win the Premier League because I don’t see this as a City team capable of having the mentality to win 10 games in a row, although they could prove me wrong. Only Arsenal can stop Arsenal now.
Konate shows class
I was delighted Ibrahima Konate got his goal against Newcastle United as it has been a really tough few weeks for him.
It says a lot about his character and dedication to the team that he chose to come back early from compassionate leave to help out with so many defenders being injured.
But I know from experience that often when you’ve had to cope with a difficult personal situation, the best thing you can do is get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
It helps to counsel you and, while not exactly taking your mind off things, it gives you a sense of purpose.
Konate had an excellent game overall and watching it I had a feeling he’d score. And I’m pretty sure that’s the first goal he’s ever scored for Liverpool with his foot!