Liverpool will have plenty of centre-backs to enjoy after their shortage last season.
Ibrahima Konate will be one particularly exciting option for the club and according to his former coach, the Frenchman can become the ‘best in the world’ under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.
Speaking to First Time Finish, Paris FC coach Reda Bekhti who spotted Konate on a trial with the club told the outlet that Konate has the mentality and the ability to go far in the game.
‘If he continues to work hard and stays disciplined he can become one of the best defenders in the world and be the future boss of the French national team,’ Bekhti told First Time Finish.
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In the interview the French international’s former coach also revealed Konate used to play as a striker and central-midfielder before he was moved to the centre-back position he plays in now.
Konate’s ball-playing ability probably stems from those early days playing as a striker and it was one of the reasons the Reds were attracted to his services.
Under Klopp, the Frenchman will be able to hone his abilities even further with the German possessing a proven track-record at getting the best out of the players he works with.
With pre-season on the way Konate has already joined up with the squad and he will link-up with the likes of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk ready to acclimatise to the club’s geggenpressing system ahead of the new season.
Liverpool fans will hope Reda Bekhti’s words ring true in the next few years and Konate establishes a formidable partnership alongside Van Dijk.
One thing is for sure, Liverpool’s centre-back problems are a thing of the past.
How far do you think Ibrahima Konate will go in his career?