"He has the qualities" - Pundit thinks Liverpool already have the next Virgil van Dijk

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has said that Liverpool already possess the next Virgil van Dijk.

When asked about Ibrahima Konate and if he could be as good as Van Dijk, the former Tottenham shot-stopper said that the Frenchman has the qualities to be.

“Konate settled very quickly last season," Robinson told Football Insider.

“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.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool are absolutely blessed in the centre-back department. It's honestly not a stretch to say that we possess three top-class defenders.

Van Dijk is easily the best centre-back in the world. Joel Matip, on his day, is right up there too and Konate proved last season that he is a force to be reckoned with. There is a reason why we only conceded 26 goals in 38 Premier League fixtures last campaign.

Signing Konate for £36 million could end up being one of Liverpool's best pieces of business in recent years.

If the 23-year-old can stay fully fit for the foreseeable future, then there is no reason why he won't be Van Dijk's partner for years to come.

Hopefully Konate can live up to his potential and become the best centre-back in the world.