Liverpool’s defense looked vulnerable in the first half of their match against Newcastle, and fans have quickly pinpointed the cause. While there are various factors that could explain the struggles—such as tired legs after the Real Madrid and Manchester City matches, Newcastle’s strong performances at home against top teams, or the need for tactical adjustments—many Liverpool supporters believe the key issue was the absence of Ibrahima Konate.

Without Konate, the defensive line appeared disorganized, and even Virgil van Dijk, usually a pillar at the back, struggled against Alexander Isak, who managed to score. Fans have voiced their concerns that Konate’s presence would have provided the stability needed to prevent the defensive lapses seen during the match.

@SiavoushF: “Isak is like a kryptonite for Van Dijk. ”

@Shadyy_: “Quansah and Gomez are giving me headache man terrible terrible backline.”

@jshprsns: “The gap between Gomez and Konate is huuuuge.”

@2likelyy: “Nah we need Konate back😭”

@RamboFYI: “You realise when you watch a game like this that Konate is an absolute cheat code.”

IgotnoideawhatIsay: “The defence is terrible today.”

@zyvrse: “Life without Konate.”