Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has explained what he likes most about team-mate Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman joined the Reds from RB Leipzig last summer and is about to begin his second full season with the club. Across the last campaign, Konate established a strong partnership with Van Dijk and it was the favoured partnership for the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid in May.
Konate made 29 appearances in all competitions last term and scored three goals and registered one assist. Van Dijk says he admires the 23-year-old's work ethic and says he's pleased to watch him develop.
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“He’s a very, very good player,” the Dutchman told liverpoolfc.com. “What I like the most about him is the will to learn each and every day as well.
“Obviously there are loads of things that can improve – and that’s good because he has time, he needs the experience. In my opinion, experience is a big thing for a centre-half to learn and to take with you. In his case, I’m very happy to see him develop, I’m very happy to see him shine on and off the pitch, he’s a fantastic character.
“But I can say that about the other two ( Joe Gomez and Joel Matip) as well. We are very blessed as a club and I am very blessed to have these players around me as well.”
With Gomez and Matip also fit and firing, Jurgen Klopp has plenty of centre-back options heading into the new season. The Liverpool boss will hope the strength in depth will play a key role in pushing for all four trophies once again next term.
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