Liverpool legend says Van Dijk REPLACEMENT has been FOUND

Ibrahima Konaté is enjoying a serious run of form in Red as of late.

After starting the first day of the season on the bench and being brought on at half-time, the Frenchman has quickly become an essential piece of the starting XI, being central to Liverpool being top of the table after six games.

After scoring his first goal in two years at the San Siro against AC Milan a couple of weeks ago, the centre-back scored his first Premier League goal in that same period with the opener against Wolves yesterday - something he thought should have earnt him Man of the Match credentials.

And now Liverpool legend Michael Owen has said that he could be the natural replacement for Virgil van Dijk at the club.

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Van Dijk's Heir?

Speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen said, “Konate [is] already established, well established as a top centre-half. Brilliant centre-half, he’s got everything, and I think he could be the future.”

“Virgil van Dijk is really in the peak of his powers at the moment, but Konate has still got a bit to learn. He is still a bit younger as well. Look forward to seeing him improve and maybe even get to Virgil’s standard one day. You never know.”

It’s a bold claim from Owen but not unjust given the level of Konaté’s performances so far this season. With both Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract running out at the end of the season, Liverpool’s defence faces having a drastic face lift come the start of next year. If Van Dijk were to leave, having Konaté sustain the level that he is performing at right now would go some way to soften the blow of the Dutchman’s departure.

Yet the question would still remain - if Konaté replaces van Dijk, who on earth replaces Konaté?