Virgil admits: When I was his age, I wasn't as good as Konate is

VIRGIL VAN DIJK believes Ibrahima Konate is a better player than he was at the same age as the Liverpool captain revealed how his fellow defender wants to follow in his footsteps.

- By IAN DOYLE

Van Dijk and Konate formed a strong centre-back partnership this season, starting 29 out of 38 Premier League games together as the Reds romped to a record-equalling 20th championship.

Konate, who turned 26 at the weekend, has now made 132 appearances for Liverpool having arrived from RB Leipzig for £36million back in the summer of 2021.

Van Dijk was six months older when he signed for Liverpool in January 2018 after which he has gone on to cement his position as a club legend and skipper the side to their latest title triumph.

And the 33-year-old has revealed how Konate is now keen to assume the same leadership qualities.

“Ibou is a good friend and an excellent defender” said Van Dijk. “He's fast, strong and he wants to become a leader.