Virgil van Dijk suggests 'fast' Liverpool player could one day become as good as him

Virgil van Dijk has once again reclaimed his title as the best defender in world football with Liverpool this season.

The Dutch international has been instrumental for the Reds on their journey to winning the Premier League title, with Van Dijk signing a new contract with Liverpool, ensuring that the centre-back spends the final best years of his career at Anfield.

With Liverpool in the market for a new centre-back, though, transfer plans are taking shape behind the scenes to find a central defender that could one day replace Van Dijk, who this summer will turn 34 years old.

Yet Van Dijk has now suggested that Liverpool already have a centre-back who is well on his way to becoming one of the best in the world, and potentially even better than the former Southampton star.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk let Trent Alexander-Arnold know exactly what he thinks of him during final Liverpool training session

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Virgil van Dijk lauds Liverpool teammate Ibrahima Konate

Speaking to L’Equipe, Van Dijk was full of praise for Ibrahima Konate, with the Liverpool captain even suggesting that the French international is currently better than the level the Anfield no. 4 was playing at his age.

With Konate saying he’s told Van Dijk he will become better than him one day, the Dutch international backing his teammate to become the best defender in the world in the future is nothing short of huge for the former RB Leipzig defender.

And heading into next season, Konate will want another successful season alongside Van Dijk, with the defender saying about his centre-back partner: “Ibou is a good friend and an excellent defender. He’s fast, strong and he wants to become a leader.

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“He’s getting there because he’s improving. I think he’s had his best season since he arrived. As your career progresses, you understand better how your body adapts to different situations. In any case, when I was his age, I wasn’t as good as him.”

Liverpool need to sign Ibrahima Konate to a new contract

Konate has enjoyed his best season yet with the Reds, with the France international going the entire year without picking up any major injuries and in doing so forming a fantastic partnership at the back with Van Dijk.

Yet a big cloud is looming over Konate’s head with the defender’s contract currently set to expire at the end of next season, with Real Madrid interested in signing the Liverpool centre-back in a similar swoop that will see Trent Alexander-Arnold move to the Spanish giants this summer.

Whilst Liverpool have time to secure Konate’s future, the clock is still ticking, and the Reds will need to get a move on if they’re to commit the former Leipzig defender to a new long-term contract.

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