8 months ago
113 Ibrahima Konate has now admitted he was shocked by how good one Liverpool teammate really is.
The 24-year-old made the comments when speaking to France TV during the international break.
So, which Liverpool player’s ability stunned Ibrahima Konate? Let’s take a look…
Ibrahima Konate was stunned by Virgil van Dijk
Well, the France international revealed that he thought Sergio Ramos was the best central defender on the planet before his £36m move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool in May 2021.
However – upon arriving at Anfield – Konate quickly discovered that Virgil van Dijk was far superior, leaving the Frenchman feeling “crazy” for ever thinking otherwise.
The Liverpool No.5 said: “I don’t watch football that much, but in an interview I said Sergio Ramos was number 1, then Virgil van Dijk, but I wasn’t actually aware. When I played with him the first time, I told myself I was crazy.
“He has ease, whether technically or defensively, pfff, it’s exceptional, but I take a bit of both to be an “assembled” version. What a fusion!
“Virgil has been a positive support, already in training I’m learning a lot from him. He gives me a lot of advice, and it is valuable.”
Konate – who also suggested he expects to play under the new manager – and Van Dijk have made 59 appearances alongside each other since Jurgen Klopp paired them together at Liverpool.
Remarkably, the defensive duo have lost just eight of those outings, averaging 2.2 points per game while also winning the FA Cup and two Carabao Cups together.
Liverpool have timed defensive evolution to perfection
In our view, Liverpool have timed their defensive evolution perfectly.
The likes of Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah have been able to learn from an elite operator in Van Dijk for a while now, and by the time the Dutchman hangs up his boots, all three should have developed enough to take the reins in defence.
In terms of a footballing education, the trio could hardly have had much better with the imperious Netherlands international and also Klopp helping them out.
Hopefully – though – Liverpool fans won’t have to think about life after Van Dijk for a while yet.
In truth, it looks like the Liverpool No.4 could keep playing at this level for many years to come, despite the fact he turns 33 in July.
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