Virgil van Dijk has shown his appreciation for Ibrahima Konate after a tough season for the Frenchman, calling him a “fantastic defender.”
Konate has struggled more than most for Liverpool this season, falling well below the level he has produced since arriving in 2021.
Thankfully, he has been noticeably better in the past two matches, helping the Reds keep consecutive clean sheets against Inter Milan and Brighton.
Speaking to reporters after the 2-0 win over the Seagulls on Saturday, Van Dijk lauded Konate and discussed their on-pitch relationship.
“Everyone at his best helps, everyone in the team. That’s why it’s a team sport,” Van Dijk said. “Ibou is a fantastic defender.
“Obviously when the team is not performing as a collective, then we as the last line could be exposed. And that happened at times as well.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté reacts to conceeding their team's secong goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Individual mistakes cost us, including myself at times. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game. It’s how you deal with it, how you react to it.
“I think Ibou, as an example, has been in the last two games especially outstanding. He’s working on things, like we all do.
“He helps me, I help him and that’s how it should be. We are not perfect. He wants the best for the club and I’m pretty sure that will be absolutely fine.”
Time for Konate to show he can lead Liverpool’s defence
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Konate’s improved form of late has been much-needed, following some alarming performances amid links with a move to Real Madrid next summer.
It seems like no coincidence that he has looked more focused since Madrid’s interest reportedly ended, with Arne Slot “so happy” with him after the 1-0 victory away to Inter last week.
Konate is out of contract at the end of this season, so the coming months are vital, in terms of a contract extension being agreed.
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez form a huddle during the UEFA Champions League game between Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at the Stadio San Siro. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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If the 26-year-old does stay, he must show that he can be the future leader of Liverpool’s defence once the 34-year-old Van Dijk has gone.
On this season’s evidence, far more consistency is needed, but he has done enough over the past four years to show that he can be a key figure for a long time.