Ibrahima Konate reveals why he is frustrated to play WITH Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk, as defender aims cheeky dig at his captain
- Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate combined for clean sheet against Everton
- Partnership has been bedrock of Liverpool’s title charge this campaign
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Not many centre-backs who played alongside Virgil van Dijk have found a downside, but Ibrahima Konate has pinpointed one.
The Frenchman, with tongue placed firmly in cheek, said his partner at the back is so good that he takes attention away from his own top performances.
Konate has been enjoying an outstanding season for the Reds and helped the league leaders to another clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday.
But he joked that people forget he’s even playing, such is the acclaim given to the captain.
‘It’s crazy how many Man of the Match [awards] I could get this season,’ he quipped on Sky Sports.
‘It’s very good to play with Virgil because he is a very good player, but sometimes people who watch the game they think it’s only Virgil who plays. No, I am playing as well!
Ibrahima Konate (left) joked about the downside of playing with Virgil van Dijk
Konate was again a dominant figure in the victory over Everton on Wednesday night
Liverpool moved back to 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League
‘I’ve had a great game as well, but no, but because it’s Virgil… I’m not jealous, but watch the game, and it will tell you the truth!’
Konate is unafraid of stating his ambition to even better Van Dijk one day.
He went on: ‘With Virgil, we know how good he is, how special he is, and what he’s been doing for years. He’s so good. I take a few things from him.
‘He gave me a lot of advice when I came to the club. Like I’ve said previously, I will be better than you one day, that’s why I work very hard every day to achieve this.’
Liverpool’s defence has been solid this season and Arne Slot’s men have a league high 13 clean sheets in the Premier League.
Konate and Van Dijk have been the pairing for the majority of those shut-outs but it remains to be seen how long the pair will keep combining.
Van Dijk is yet to agree a new deal, with his contract running out in the summer, though optimism remains that he will put pen to paper.
Konate himself has been linked with a move to PSG and his own deal expires next year.
Given the performances of both defenders this term, Liverpool fans will be desperate for them to stay at Anfield as long as possible.
