Arne Slot has finally found his perfect Ibrahima Konate alternative as Liverpool solve problem position

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may have found the perfect replacement for injured centre back Ibrahima Konate.

Since taking over from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp at the start of this season, Slot has exceeded all expectations and is currently flying high with Liverpool on top of both the Premier League and Champions League.

Crucial to Liverpool's success in this time has been French defender Konate, who has already made 18 appearances for the Reds despite suffering an injury during the 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

But now, with the 25-year-old still unavailable for selection it appears that Slot has found the perfect solution to the defenders absence.

During Liverpool's 2-1 victory against Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, midfielder Wataru Endo was handed a rare start, but this time Slot played him as a central defender.

The Japanese international, who joined in the summer of 2023, has failed to find a regular place under the new Liverpool boss, but massively impressed on Wednesday night, taking home the man of the match award.

Reacting to his performance against Southampton, one Liverpool fan wrote on social media: "Every club needs an Endo. Doesn’t make a fuss, plays wherever he’s asked and goes home.

"We’re very fortunate to have the captain of Japan at Liverpool."

Another agreed, adding: "Endo is the only player since the beginning of this season when he comes on as a substitute or plays he is always the best, he never lets you down."

While one claimed: "My favourite Liverpool player. Gives 100%. Supports the team always. And is massively underrated by most - he can pass, and tackles like a beast."

Endo joined Liverpool in August last year from Bundesliga side Stuttgart for a reported fee of about £16.2million.

Wataru Endo was awarded the player of the match award after Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Southampton. (Image: Getty)

The 31-year-old was a crucial player during Klopp's final season in the Liverpool dugout, helping the Reds challenge for the Premier League title and win the Carabao Cup.

However, under Slot the Japanese captain has made just 11 appearances, with almost all of them as a substitute playing less than 10 minutes.

Despite this, the Dutch manager has had nothing but positive things to say about Endo this season.

Speaking after Wednesday's match, the Liverpool boss said: "“If I have to give someone a big compliment it should be Endo.

“In a different position, playing such a good game in these circumstances, that shows you what a quality player he is and what kind of mentality he has.”