Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on Ibrahima Konate after a dominant 2-0 win against Villarreal as the French centre-back battles with Joel Matip for a place in the Liverpool side.
Van Dijk said Konate is a fantastic player, adding: "To be that good already at such an age, it’s crazy, in my opinion."
Liverpool are spoilt for choice in central defence – but with Van Dijk’s return from injury coinciding with Liverpool’s relentless league form and hopes of a quadruple, his place in the team is secure. That leaves Matip and 22-year-old Konate battling it out for the second spot in Jurgen Klopp’s defensive pairing.
Matip has been reliable for Liverpool since joining in 2016, and his injury in February 2021 was as much of a blow as Van Dijk’s. "If I am Joel Matip, I am fuming," Rio Ferdinand told BT Sport after the teams were announced before kick-off last night.
"He has been exceptional all season and we talk about being the best defenders on form in the league – he would be in there for a shout after Van Dijk."
But Ferdinand admitted Klopp could’ve chosen Konate for his better aerial threat in attacking set pieces after the centre-back scored three headed goals from corners in his previous three appearances.
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And now with every game he plays, Konate is staking more of a claim on his place in the starting XI. He is yet to taste defeat in a Liverpool shirt and put in a resolute defensive performance against Villarreal that was as good as any defender could offer.
Van Dijk said of Konate’s performance: "Obviously he still has loads to learn and, in my opinion, as a centre-back I think it comes with experience, dealing with situations, dealing with mistakes, dealing with moments that you fail [in] maybe to make sure it doesn’t happen anymore.
"But he is already at such a high level and such consistency as well. So, it’s great to have each other and push each other each and every day. Joel obviously an incredible season as well, so let’s keep that going."
Villareal don’t play much free-flowing football, especially away from home – but Unai Emery knows this, and has his side well-drilled to sit deep and counter-attack, which led to their victory over Bayern Munich.
Konate and Van Dijk helped control yesterday’s game – and with a confident midfield spearheaded by Thiago’s effortless passing, Villarreal barely got a sniff of the ball, registering only one shot compared to Liverpool’s 19.
Matip and Konate’s performances are harsh news for Joe Gomez, who started 22 games in Liverpool’s title-winning 2019/20 season. He has struggled to find a regular place in Klopp’s side this campaign despite starting in two Premier League games and quarter-finals in the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup. The English centre-back played nine minutes in the 2-0 semi-final win against Villarreal.
