Jeremie Frimpong has built his ultimate footballer and, from a Liverpool perspective, there is one selection that stands above the rest.
The Dutchman was asked to choose the best attributes from different players and his answers offered a glimpse into the kind of talents he values most. Speed went to himself, footballing brain to Andres Iniesta, shooting to Harry Kane, passing to Xabi Alonso, and skills to Neymar. It is an impressive mix of elite names from different eras.
But perhaps the most interesting answer of all for Liverpool supporters was Frimpong’s choice for strength. Rather than selecting Virgil van Dijk, arguably the Reds’ defensive figurehead for years, he went for Ibrahima Konate. That is the kind of line that will immediately catch the eye on Merseyside.
Just how bad do you want Arne Slot gone? 😬
Frimpong’s Konate pick says plenty about Liverpool defender
Speaking to JD, he said: “Speed, I think I’ll go myself. I think strength I’ll go [Ibrahima] Konate. Footballing brain, Iniesta. Shooting, Harry Kane. Passing, Xabi Alonso. Skills, Neymar. What a player that is.”
For Liverpool fans, Konate getting that recognition feels significant. Van Dijk remains the headline name in the back line and is still widely seen as one of the best centre-backs in world football, but Konate being singled out for raw power underlines just how highly he is rated by fellow top-level players.
That should not come as a surprise. On his day, Konate is a force of nature, dominant in duels, quick across the ground and capable of overwhelming forwards physically. For Frimpong to place him above Van Dijk specifically in that department is a major compliment, especially given the company involved in the rest of his ultimate player.
How do you think Liverpool should handle the contract situations of Konate, Van Dijk, and Gomez?
Van Dijk (2027), Gomez (2027) and Konate (2026) are all out of contract soon!
Why Liverpool supporters should take notice
There is also a wider Liverpool angle here. Frimpong’s answers show exactly the sort of traits that fit the club’s identity: pace, intelligence, power and quality in possession. In that sense, Konate’s inclusion feels particularly relevant.
It is also a reminder that the Reds’ squad still contains players who command huge respect across the game. Konate is sometimes discussed slightly below some of the Premier League’s biggest defensive names, but Frimpong’s verdict suggests those inside football see his qualities very differently.
And for fans of the Merseyside outfit, that may be the biggest takeaway of all: when asked to build the perfect player, Frimpong made sure a Red had to be part of it.
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