Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp faces a dilemma when he picks his team for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
It is a problem that he would have loved to have last season, as the Reds suffered a brutal injury crisis at centre back.
The signing of Ibrahima Konate in the summer eased that crisis but his performances lately have given Klopp a new problem.
Virgil Van Dijk is back to his imperious best, and he has played 32 games so far this season in all competitions (the joint-highest with Alisson).
The spot between him and Trent Alexander-Arnold has been frequented mostly by Joel Matip (29) but Konate has impressed on big occasions.
The Frenchman is unbeaten in the 15 games he has played for the Reds including starts at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, and the San Siro (for games against both Milan sides).
READ MORE: What Leeds fans chanted at Liverpool substitute as Virgil van Dijk embarrasses Raphinha
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand already proved wrong as Ian Wright laughed at for Liverpool title claim
Will Klopp show faith in Konate?
Konate has started all but one Carabao Cup game this season, the Fourth round win at Preston in which Matip played.
Klopp has shown faith with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, already stating that he will play in the final, so it would not be a surprise to see the former RB Leipzig man get the nod.
Both men have started against Chelsea in the league, Matip in the 1-1 draw at Anfield and Konate in the 2-2 at Stamford Bridge.
What do the stats say?
Against Liverpool’s opponents on Sunday, Matip made three tackles, one interception and one block, whereas Konate made three interceptions, two blocks but no tackles.
Throughout the season, Konate leads the Liverpool squad for interceptions (2.36 per 90), ranks above Matip for blocks (1.80 per 90) and boasts a higher percentage of aerial duels won than the former Cameroon international (71. 4% to 70.2%).
However, Matip has a higher amount of ball recoveries (11.9), successful pressure percentage (42.7%) and a slightly better rate of dribblers tackled (66.7% to Konate’s 63.6%).
The Champions League and Premier League winner ranks highest for successful dribbles in the squad (86.7%) and dwarfs Konate’s progressive carry rate (8.04 to 2.70 per 90).
One of those carries finally led to a goal last night against Leeds to the delight of the Anfield faithful.
Who starts against Chelsea?
The answer to that question may depend on who Liverpool think starts for the opposition.
When Romelu Lukaku had no luck against Van Dijk in August, he tried to switch his attention to Joel Matip to no avail.
Konate meanwhile is probably the faster of the two so could be fancied against the likes of Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz.
If Klopp puts his faith in the Frenchmen for another big game, it will show just how highly he rates him.
