Jamie Carragher has tipped Ibrahima Konate to become Virgil van Dijk's main central defensive partner from next season.
The Frenchman was left on the bench for seven of the Reds' opening eight games of the campaign and has had to remain patient for first-team opportunities since completing his £36million move from RB Leipzig in the summer.
Questions were raised at the start of the campaign as to whether or not Van Dijk would be capable of starring on a regular basis on his return from a lengthy injury layoff, presenting a potential pathway into the first-team for Konate. The Dutch defender has slotted straight back into the team, however, forcing Liverpool's summer recruit to bide his time.
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Yet to lose any of the 23 games he has featured in for the Reds this term, Konate has demonstrated his ability at both ends of the pitch when selected by Klopp. The 22-year-old scored in three successive matches earlier this month, showcasing his aerial ability, and has rarely looked troubled in the heart of defence.
Such has been the impact of the towering centre-back, Carragher is of the view Joel Matip's starting spot alongside Van Dijk could be at risk for the 2022/23 season.
“He’s great isn’t he,” said the Liverpool legend when discussing Konate on the ‘It’s a Funny Old Life’ podcast. “Joe Gomez is having a very hard time getting back into the team and is playing right-back at the moment. But the three now, wow. I think Konate, next season, might become the first-choice to partner Virgil van Dijk.
“He may just edge Matip, not that Matip has done anything wrong. I just think Konate is that young and he is that good that you have to just go and let him play. He’s getting a lot of games now, but he is fantastic.”
