Pundit excited by ‘brilliant’ Konate at Liverpool after Lijnders claim
Alan Hutton has claimed Liverpool have a future star on their hands after Ibrahima Konate’s “outstanding” performance against Manchester United.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, lauded the 22-year-old and insisted he will only get better at Anfield.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Reds coach Pep Lijnders hailed Konate as a “beast” for his performance in the 5-0 thumping of United.
Lijnders claimed the young defender’s turn of pace and physicality ensured United’s attack stayed quiet.
Konate, a summer signing from RB Leipzig, lined up alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Hutton raved over the French enforcer’s performance in what was only his third appearance for the Reds.
He insisted the centre-back is a future star.
“He’s a brilliant defender, he really is,” Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“I thought it was a great move, bringing him into the club. He’s so young, he’s only going to get better. Probably a player that Jurgen Klopp knows a lot about.
“For someone so young, playing alongside Virgil van Dijk is only going to help you. You’re only going to become a better player in time.
“That was a big test for him. You’re playing at Old Trafford against a team that have got a lot of attacking talent.
“I thought he was outstanding. He’s only going to get better. Playing at that level so young, there’s room for improvement. He’s only going to get better.”
Konate played 95 times for Leipzig before making the move to Anfield.
He was an unused substitute on Wednesday night as Liverpool fielded Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in central defence in the 2-0 League Cup win at Burnley.
In other news, Football Insider have dropped major update on Michael Edwards’ future at Liverpool.