Liverpool is ‘learning and growing,’ according to Van Dijk

Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool has dominated the Premier League after six games, and the Reds are currently in first place.

Van Dijk hopes to extend his contract with Liverpool until the summer of  2027 (Sept. 29, 2024) — dynamo.kiev.ua

The Dutchman has made an immediate impression, leading Liverpool to impressive results in the UK and around Europe.

One of the highlights of Slot’s early term has been his ability to bring out the best in players who had previously failed under Jürgen Klopp, such as Ryan Gravenberch and Luis Diaz.

Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, has noticed that French defender Ibrahima Konaté, who is now playing under Slot, has shown great promise this season.

Liverpool's Van Dijk: “I don't pay attention to the table now” – Focus on  next game

Van Dijk, in an interview with the team’s official website, underlined Konaté’s development and his potential to rank among the league’s top defenders.

Virgil van Dijk na dłużej w Liverpoolu? Są nowe informacje – PiłkaNożna.pl

Admiration Van Dijk has for KonatéDespite receiving criticism from Gary Neville for his involvement in Wolves’ equalizing goal during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at Molineux, Konaté, a 25-year-old center defense, had a generally strong game.Van Dijk was gushing about his teammate, pointing out how much Konaté has grown since joining the team and how much more he still has to give.

Van Dijk declared, “We need everyone to be at their best.” “Ibou is a tremendous player with room for improvement. He had a fortunate goal that we gave up, but other than that, his defense is strong and he is an exceptional player.

Van Dijk continued by praising Konaté’s maturity and work ethic, highlighting his significant development as a French defender.

The numbers behind Virgil van Dijk's 'magnificent' display at Wolves -  Liverpool FC

Van Dijk continued, “He is growing and learning, getting better and taking much better care of himself, to be ready every three days.”

He also has a talented young player in Jarell Quinsah behind him, so they always push one another.

The difficulty Konaté faces aheadKonaté’s health is still Liverpool’s top priority. Injury setbacks since arriving at Anfield have stunted his progress and kept him from being a regular member of the squad. Nonetheless, the young defender’s season is looking good thanks to Arne Slot’s impact and Van Dijk’s leadership.Liverpool’s prospects of winning under Slot will rely heavily on Konaté’s ability to remain healthy and perform well all season long. With the team vying for awards on several fronts, having Konaté back to full strength could be crucial for the Reds. Konaté’s ascent to become one of the Premier League’s top defenders appears more possible as long as Van Dijk continues to coach him and as long as he has the support of teammates and analysts alike.

Konaté might be a key player in Liverpool’s trophy chase this season if he stays healthy and plays well. His growth under Slot might usher in a new era for the team’s defensive stability.