Trent Alexander- Arnold is expecting big things from Ibrahima Konate at Liverpool.
The Reds pair sat down together to ask each other some questions on camera. The video, released by Liverpool on Twitter yesterday, was to acknowledge Konate being included in EA Sports “Future Stars” pack.
Asked by Trent what he expected his FIFA rating to be, Konate was shy to answer. So Trent took it upon himself to make sure viewers know just how good his Liverpool teammate is.
“He’s got the potential to be amazing,” said Alexander-Arnold.
“I’m able to see the boy every day in training and play with him, so I know he can reach whatever level he wants to if he works hard enough.”
That’s a glowing reference in itself from one of the best players in the world.
But in case that wasn’t enough, Liverpool’s right-back went one step further. He claimed that the 22-year-old Konate has the potential to be a generational talent.
“It’s a chance to be a once in a generation player. He’s got that potential in him,” said the 23-year-old.
No pressure then, Ibou!
Is Trent right
Konate is certainly a player with a very high ceiling. He has all the physical attributes to be a really top centre-back.
We’ve seen a few big performances from him this season. The Frenchman was imperious in December as Liverpool beat AC Milan in the San Siro.
Konate shackled the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic so effectively that the Swede asked him for his shirt after the game.
“I asked to exchange shirts with Liverpool defender Konate after the game,” Zlatan said as per Liverpool Echo.
“He won all the fights with me on the ground and in the air. I told him that he will be a great defender in the future and he (should) remember my words well.”
Jordan Henderson was also quick to praise Konate after Liverpool’s magnificent 5-0 win away to Manchester United in October. The Liverpool captain called his young teammate “outstanding” on that day as per Liverpool Echo.
There have also been one or two less convincing performances along the way. But that’s to be expected for a young player adjusting to the physical demands of a new league.
Joel Matip has largely served as Jurgen Klopp’s preferred partner for Virgil Van Dijk. The Cameroonian’s prolonged injury-free season so far has meant that Konate has been able to be eased in slowly.
But he is clearly impressing his teammates in training. Someone as gifted as Alexander-Arnold speaking so glowingly of him will cause excitement amongst Liverpool fans about what lies ahead for Ibou.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
