'He's got huge potential': Alexander-Arnold claims Liverpool have a defender who could be amazing

By John Verrall

Trent Alexander-Arnold has told Sky Sports that Ibrahima Konate has ‘huge potential’ at Liverpool.

Big potential

Konate joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig this summer, and is yet to make his competitive debut for the side.

Liverpool supporters have only been able to see Konate in friendly matches.

But it seems that the 21-year-old has already impressed his teammates in training.

And Alexander-Arnold suggests that he believes Konate could have a massive future at Anfield.

“He’s a very athletic boy, which is probably something more common now with centre-backs. Being amazing athletes, who are fast and strong and he ticks all those boxes,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“He’s still young. But he’s got huge potential.

“I think obviously learning and playing next to Virgil, he’s one of those players you instantly pick up things from – just his positioning and the way he commands the defence.”

Starting on Saturday?

It remains to be seen just how long Liverpool fans will have to wait before they see Konate in competitive action.

The powerful central defender could have a chance of featuring on opening day against Norwich City, but that may depend on the fitness of his teammates.

Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have all featured over pre-season, so competition for places in fierce at the back for Liverpool.

And if Van Dijk and Gomez are deemed fit enough to start, it seems unlikely that Jurgen Klopp will break up their partnership immediately, even with Konate catching the eye since his arrival.