Virgil van Dijk has suggested that Ibrahima Konate is a better player than he was at his Liverpool teammate’s age.
The pair have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the Reds’ defense, which has flourished this season as Liverpool cruised to the Premier League title under Arne Slot. Van Dijk will finally get his hands on the trophy later today following the final game of the season against Crystal Palace.
It will be a double celebration for Konate at Anfield, with the defender also celebrating his 26th birthday with the biggest trophy of his Liverpool career so far.
Ahead of the game, Van Dijk spoke to French outlet L’Equipe, and gave some insight into his partnership with Konate, which has grown since the latter’s arrival at Liverpool in 2021.
“Ibou is a good friend and an excellent defender”, Van Dijk said. “He’s fast, strong and he wants to become a leader. He’s getting there because he’s improving. I think he’s had his best season since he arrived.”
The numbers would appear to back up Van Dijk’s claim, at least when it comes to Konate’s appearances.
Virgil van Dijk looks at Ibrahima Konate
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have formed a formidable partnership at Liverpool (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
His 41 appearances this season, including 30 league games, is his best return since arriving on Merseyside, and the results of his consistent availability is clear to see in the Reds’ title triumph.
Konate’s previous seasons had been blighted by regular injuries, but Van Dijk has praised his center-back partner for improving on his fitness, while also offering up a bold claim on just how good the Frenchman is.
“As your career progresses, you understand better how your body adapts to different situations,” Van Dijk said. “In any case, when I was his age, I wasn’t as good as him.”
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Van Dijk and Konate look set to continue their partnership next season after the former signed a new two-year contract. There is some doubt over the latter’s future beyond that though, with Konate’s deal set to expire next year and Real Madrid being linked with a move.
Liverpool.com says: If Liverpool needed any reason why it should be viewing a new contract for Konate as a priority - which it shouldn’t - then Van Dijk’s view should be all it needs.
If he’s saying Konate is even better than he was at the same age, then Liverpool clearly has something special on its hands, and given he’s improved greatly on his fitness, the Reds need to tie him down to a new deal before Real can start sniffing around another free agent.