Stan Collymore has written in CaughtOffSide that he is not convinced by Liverpool central defender Ibrahima Konate.
The former Liverpool striker believes that the Reds need to sign a central defender in the summer transfer window.
While Collymore remains a fan of Virgil van Dijk, the pundit thinks that Konate cannot become as good as the Netherlands international centre-back.
Collymore is also of the opinion that Liverpool central defender Joe Gomez is not at the level needed for the Merseyside club.
Stan Collymore on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate
The pundit wrote: “The point still stands that Liverpool probably need two or three new midfielders this summer, probably a right-back as cover or competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, and possibly a central defender as Virgil van Dijk’s not getting any younger and I’m not convinced that Ibrahima Konate or Joe Gomez have the quality that they can be the next clean sheet machine for Liverpool like Van Dijk has been.”
Staying positive
In our view, Liverpool should not write off Ibrahima Konate just yet.
The £36 million (The Times) defender is not at the level of Virgil van Dijk yet, but he is a very good player.
After all, Liverpool would not have signed the France international cents-back were he not good.
Konate has had injury problems during his time at Liverpool, and manager Jurgen Klopp has also used other defenders in his place when he has been fit.
However, Konate is only 23 now and is bound to get better and develop as a defender in the coming years.
We believe that the youngster could become a big player for Liverpool.
Konate has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for Liverpool so far in his career.
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