While the transfer window for Liverpool FC is on fire with the signing of Luis Diaz, one member of the Reds is offering high praise to a recent addition. In a recent interview, the four-year veteran Fabinho is offering high praise of teammate Ibrahima Konate.
"“He’s playing really good. When he has the chance to play, he always shows why Liverpool wanted him because he always plays really good. The Premier League is not an easy league to play as a centre-half. He’s young but he’s showing the experience he has. He’s strong, he’s fast, so he has the style of the league. He always plays with Joel Matip or Virgil, so it’s important for him as well to have an experienced player by his side.” -Fabinho in interview with Liverpoolfc.com"
Those are incredibly heartfelt and strong words for the former RB Leipzig defender that joined LFC last summer. However, Konate does bear the potential to become a top-flight defender for the club in the future.
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is young and can be an eventual starter in the coming years.
While many focus on the present, taking a few peeks into the future is never a bad idea. For the 22-year old Ibrahima Konate, there is a favorable window of opportunity for him to become a part of Liverpool’s starting XI in the coming years. In 2025, stalwart defender Virgil van Dijk’s contract will expire. At that point, he will be 34 years of age, and it remains to be seen what his form will be.
More importantly, LFC’s other starting center-back, Joel Matip, will have his contract expire one year earlier (2024) than VVD. While Matip and van Dijk are crucial, age is not forgiving for many professional athletes. With that being said, Konate’s good play in his 13 appearances this season will only prepare him for what is potentially in store for him in the future.