By Alan Hutton

23rd Apr, 2022 | 6:00pm

Joel Matip to tumble down Liverpool pecking order next term after what I've seen - pundit

Alan Hutton has tipped Ibrahima Konate to leapfrog Joel Matip in the Liverpool pecking order next season.

The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Jurgen Klopp has been “bedding in” the 22-year-old after his move last summer.

Konate has played just eight times in the Premier League this season, with Matip and Virgil van Dijk the preferred centre-back partnership.

The former Leipzig man has instead been used regularly in the cup competitions.

However, Hutton suggested Matip is set to be replaced by Konate next season.

Discussing Konate, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I’ve always liked him, I think he’s got everything. He’s similar to Van Dijk in stature and the way he plays.

“As a partnership moving forward, I think they’ve got everything together. There are not many number nines who could get the better of them.

“Normally you pick one to go and play on. You’re coming up against those two and thinking: ‘What do I do here?’

“His form and play is up there with some of the best. Obviously Klopp likes Matip but I think moving forward, it will be Konate that slots in there.

“It’s about bedding him in. If you look at Klopp and what he’s done with Diaz and these guys, he’s always just brought them in when he’s needed and settled them in at a good tempo.

“He’s not just thrown them in. Centre-half, it can be one of those positions, especially as a young player, where you maybe have a few up and down performances.

“The fans can be on your back and the confidence goes a little bit. He doesn’t need to do that. He can take his time with them.

“I think that’s what he’s done really well. So probably next season you’ll see the appearances ramped up.”

In other news, Football Insider can reveal Liverpool are in talks over a £50million-a-year deal.