‘Has the potential’: Jamie Carragher makes strong claim about unseen Liverpool partnership

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Jamie Carragher has made the strong claim that Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate could be the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League.

Firstly, Reds supporters are delighted to have defender Van Dijk back with the senior group. The 30-year-old’s long-term injury absence played a massive role in a drop off last season, but he’s had minutes under his belt so far during pre-season. It’s going to be vital when manager Jurgen Klopp has him fully fit again.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old centre-half Konate has joined this summer from German club RB Leipzig. He’s a powerhouse that has impressed in the Bundesliga. However, it’s a massive change now as he prepares for his first taste of English football.

Liverpool have Joel Matip and Joe Gomez as two more quality centre-back options in their squad, so it’s unclear on when the Van Dijk-Konate combination may be seen for the first time. Carragher has huge expectations for it though:

“That has the potential to be the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League,” Carragher said.

“Van Dijk is the best centre-back in the Premier League. Konate I’ve watched for Leipzig. He looks like he’s got the presence. He’s certainly got that pace.”

Who will Klopp prefer at centre-back in best Liverpool XI?

Liverpool’s defensive problems piled up on them last season, but they are in a position now where they won’t let history repeat itself.

The Merseyside giants have plenty in reserve in the heart of defence. It’s so strong that Nat Phillips is right down the pecking order on paper despite his contribution last season.

Van Dijk has to be nailed-on starter if he gets back to anywhere near the level he’s capable of. That leaves Konate, Gomez and Matip as the most likely to battle it out for a role next to him.

The prospect of putting powerhouse Konate next to him is really exciting because they are both strong and exceptional passers of the ball.

It can’t be forgotten though how pivotal Gomez was before his own respective injury issue.

In other news, Report: Tottenham and West Ham want £18m-rated star in final year of contract, but rivals make bid