Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate talks about his learnings from skipper Virgil van Dijk
We all know he admires Virgil van Dijk a lot. Ibrahima Konate is the skipper’s main defensive partner this season, and the pair have certainly displayed tremendous talent and played key roles in the Reds’ positive run of form across all competitions.
Ibou has quickly become a fan favourite and even with some of his injury issues, has become a part of the first-choice centre-back pairing alongside his captain. He will soon breach the 100-game mark for the Reds (at 95 presently) which adds a feather to his cap already boasting silverware in the form of an FA Cup and two league cups.
In a recent interview featured in the matchday programme via the club’s official website, Konate talked about Virgil’s impact on him and how VVD has made Konate a better player. When prompted on what he has learnt from the Dutch maestro, here is what Ibou had to say;
“Do the long ball! [Laughs]
“No, honestly, I can take so many things off Virg because I consider him to be the best defender in world football. I could make a long list of all the things that I’ve learned and I am still learning stuff from him, both in training and during games.”
VVD’s penchant for those long-range diags have surely become a trademark of the Reds’ ability to switch play up immediately and attack strongly on the counter. From near the edge of the box directly to Mohamed Salah on the right wing, we know you can picture it.
Brickwall(s)
But beyond the laughter, Konate’s admiration for Van Dijk shines through. With genuine reverence, he dubs his teammate the world’s best defender. It is true. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, is surely the world’s best defender. He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the epitome of defensive excellence. Konate’s expression of his admiration for the Dutchman’s unparalleled skill and expertise is just a testament to Van Dijk’s impact on fellow defenders.
From tactical nuances to impeccable execution, Konate is like a sponge, eagerly soaking up every nugget of insight and expertise Virgil imparts. Konate’s willingness to always improve and Virgil’s ability to get to his teammates sits perfectly with the idea of a perfect team where every player helps the ones around them to improve collectively.
As he continues to hone his skills under the guidance of one of the game’s finest defenders, Konate embodies the spirit of continuous improvement and dedication to excellence that defines the Mighty Reds.
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For Konate, the journey of growth and development alongside a defensive colossus like Van Dijk certainly serves as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and camaraderie in the beautiful game.
