Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate impressed against Crystal Palace and has now earned praise from teammate James Milner.
The Reds hosted Palace at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, and ended up coasting to a 3-0 victory.
Sadio Mane put Liverpool ahead in the first half before Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita added second half goals.
That’s four wins from five for Liverpool to start the Premier League season and just one goal conceded.
Liverpool were still strong defensively despite Joel Matip missing out, with Ibrahima Konate shining on his Premier League debut.
Konate stats v Palace
Signed from RB Leipzig over the summer, Konate looked impressive on his first league start.
The Frenchman recorded three clearances, two aerials, one interception and one tackle, as well as blocking two shots.
That’s a pretty good start from Konate, but he may immediately drop out of the team once Matip is available again.
Milner praises Liverpool teammate Konate
Liverpool ace Milner has now spoken to the Liverpool Echo about Konate.
Milner praised him as ‘brilliant’, admitted he has been really impressed with Konate since arriving on Merseyside.
Milner predicts that Konate will be a ‘seriously good player’ for Liverpool moving forward, hailing the progress he is already making at Anfield.
“He has been brilliant. He’s a great lad, a funny guy,” said Milner. “He’s very strong, as you can see. He’s quick, good on the ball. I’m really impressed with him. It’s not easy when you don’t get into the team straight away. He would have been itching to get out there and play at Anfield.”
“It was a very hard job for him at Anfield with me beside him! But on the plus side, Virg was on the other. He’s a top class player, he’s going to be a seriously good player for this team. Watching a few games on the sidelines hasn’t done him any harm, he can see the intensity and get a feel for the crowd,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
