This time last year, Liverpool were in the midst of a disastrous run of form.
The Reds had just lost by a combined score of 7-2 against Manchester City and Leicester City, and a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Anfield was set to be next on the agenda.
Liverpool's season was dismantled on the back of mounting injuries in their centre-back department, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip picking up long-term issues and forcing Jurgen Klopp to tamper with the make-up of his 4-3-3 system.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were deployed as central defenders, before Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams began to feature on a regular basis for the Reds later in the campaign.
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"We lost our full defence, and it felt like we broke our leg," said Klopp. "You can limp but then we had midfielders transformed to defenders. Then the spine was broke, and then it's difficult to move."
Liverpool were condemned for opting against buying a new senior centre-back in the January 2021 window.
Klopp seemed desperate for a capable reinforcement but instead of aiding his struggles by investing in a high-profile addition, the club loaned Ozan Kabak and signed Ben Davies from Preston North End for just £500,000.
The former proceeded to start nine Premier League matches for Klopp before re-joining his parent club and being sold to Norwich City, whereas the latter didn't feature in a single match and has since been loaned to Sheffield United.
Although criticism at the time was understandable, Ibrahima Konate is showcasing exactly why the Merseyside club were so keen to wait until the summer before signing a new centre-back.
The Frenchman was contracted to RB Leipzig at the time, who would have refused to part with his services in the middle of the season.
He was Liverpool's top target, and the club knew they would have to wait just six months before acquiring him.
Klopp has used Konate sparingly since bringing him to Anfield - allowing him to acclimatise behind the scenes - but whenever he's featured, he's looked assured and full of potential.
Still just 22 years-old, he could serve Liverpool for the next decade and based on his showings in red - particularly against Inter Milan on Wednesday night - he could be a future star.
Konate is around 6-foot-4, he's quick across the ground and he's cool and composed when in possession of the ball.
It is clear to see why the Reds placed him at the top of their shortlist.
Ultimately, although Liverpool had an urgent short-term need 12 months ago, the club opted to prioritise long-term health by waiting for their first choice target.
It remains as a touchy subject which still divides supporters to this day, but if Konate continues to shine, the club's controversial decision will continue to be justified.
