‘He’s an exceptional talent’: Klopp says one Liverpool youngster is ‘physically outstanding’

Thu 13 January 2022 7:15, UK

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp raved about Ibrahima Konate in his press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Arsenal tonight.

The young French defender only joined the Reds a few months ago but he had made a really good name for himself already. The 22-year-old has played a little under 1000 minutes of football and Klopp has been really impressed.

The Reds boss has been cautious with Konate. He has used him in big games, but he is reluctant to play him every single week, even though learning from Virgil van Dijk while playing alongside him would be great for him.

Klopp was quizzed about Konate and he heaped praise on the young centre-half.

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Jurgen Klopp: Ibrahima Konate is an exceptional talent

The Liverpool boss said, as per the : “He played games pretty early for us and I think we all agree he is an exceptional talent: physically outstanding, good footballer as well.

“When you are that skilled, that quick, that strong, it’s pretty normal – especially when you are young – that your concentration level drops from time to time. Tactically, we played obviously very different to Leipzig, they played quite frequently there with three in the back, which is different as well.

“He had to adapt and has to adapt still to his teammates left and right of him, all these kind of things.

“We needed to do that (sign Konate) and now it’s about just using the moments you get, using the minutes you get, using the games you get and bring yourself in the best possible shape and deliver when you are on the pitch. That’s what he is doing, so all fine.”

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Konate is definitely an exceptional talent, there’s no doubt about that.

The Frenchman was one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga during his time at RB Leipzig, even though he was under the age of 22. He has carried that quality to Liverpool and he has fared exceedingly well.

However, it is important to understand that Konate is still very young and he should not be rushed. Klopp is doing the right thing by being cautious with him, but once the German feels he’s ready, we’re certain that he will start every single game.

Konate is expected to play a part tonight against Arsenal and it will be interesting to see how he fares.