Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has claimed his centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk is so much better than France teammate Dayot Upamecano.
Speaking in an interview with Eurosport France, the 23-year-old has suggested the Dutchman is ‘on a different planet’ when compared with himself and the Bayern Munich man, when questioned by the interviewer.
“What kind of question is that?” Konate joked. “You can’t compare the two.
“With Upamecano, we are in the same category even if he is a very high competitor.
“But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet.
“We’re still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt.”
He later went on to praise the 31-year-old’s aura: “Leadership, he has such an ease in defending on certain players.
“He has his own technique, it’s incredible. His determination, his drive… He has an aura on the pitch, you always feel it.
“It’s an exceptional chance to play with him. But I also have to look at my career and not look at him as a fan all the time.”
Konate raves about Van Dijk
As centre-back partners go, you couldn’t ask for anyone better than Van Dijk.
Since arriving at Anfield in January 2018, the Netherlands international has gone on to establish himself as the greatest defender in world football.
Having made 212 appearances for the club, Van Dijk broke the record at Liverpool for the most successive home Premier League games without defeat with a single club.
In 2019, he even finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings, just eight votes behind Lionel Messi.
Therefore, it’s easy to see why Konate is full of praise for his teammate.
At 23 years old, he still has a long way to go until he reaches the Dutchman’s level.
However, with the best mentor in the game leading the way, he sure is to become one of the world’s best.