Ibrahima Konate says Liverpool have a player in their ranks who's truly 'the best'

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate says Reds teammate Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world.

The 22-year-old was Jurgen Klopp’s only major summer arrival, joining the Anfield outfit for a reported £36million.

Konate, who rose to prominence at RB Leipzig, has had to bide his time for first-team minutes with Liverpool this season.

The Frenchman was an unused substitute in the Merseysiders’ first four Premier League games and their Champions League win over Milan.

However, Klopp named Konate in the starting XI against Crystal Palace and he was composed and commanding at the back.

He then started against Norwich and, as with the Eagles game, he was solid and showed plenty of promise.

Konate has dismissed comparisons between himself and Van Dijk at this stage, but hopes to one day reach his level.

“No no, I cannot compare to Virgil,” he told Sky Sports, via The Mirror.

“He showed to the world that he’s the best defender, I haven’t. I hope with time I can show that.”

Last season, injuries in defence hampered Liverpool in their quest to retain the Premier League title.

Indeed, they did superbly just to finish in the Champions League places.

But with Konate bolstering the ranks and Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip back, Liverpool are looking back to their best.

The Reds are back in Premier League action on Saturday as they head to Brentford in a 5:30opm kickoff.

Ibrahima Konate says Liverpool have a player in their ranks who’s truly ‘the best’