Paul Robinson has lavished praise on Liverpool’s exciting talent Ibrahima Konate who could become the viable successor to Virgil van Dijk at Anfield, according to the former England goalkeeper.
Konate joined Jurgen Klopp’s Reds last summer from RB Leipzig and the French centre-back made an instant impact in his new surroundings with a stellar run of displays in the Liverpool backline.
His form was key to Klopp’s decision to name Konate on the starting team sheet for Liverpool in the Champions League final against Real Madrid ahead of the much-experienced option in Joel Matip.
Liverpool’s defensive mainstay Virgil van Dijk remains Klopp’s most trusted option at the back but many believe, in the coming years, Konate could emerge as a player who can be as good as the Dutch defender.
Ex-Blackburn Rovers shot-stopper Paul Robinson, while speaking to Football Insider, echoed similar sentiments with Robinson claiming that Konate will become a much more composed figure at the back for Liverpool.
“Konate settled very quickly last season.
“Van Dijk is the best in the world though. It will be very, very difficult to be better than him.
“He has definitely got the qualities, from what I’ve seen, to get up there.
“There is more to come from Konate as a player and a defender. To aspire to be better than Virgil van Dijk is a great thing.
“From what I have seen of Konate he is already a top defender. Next season he will be more established, confident and stronger because he will have that season under his belt.
“He certainly has the qualities to be as good as Van Dijk but it’s a big ask.”
