Liverpool: Konate compares Van Dijk to Dayot Upamecano

The French defender is facing stiff competition both at the national team and Liverpool.

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate believes Virgil van Dijk is on “another planet” compared to himself and Dayot Upamecano.

Since his transfer from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has established himself as a regular starter alongside Van Dijk in Liverpool’s backline.

The 22-year-old’s quick development has also earned him a place in France’s squad. However, Didier Deschamps usually prefers to use Upamecano alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of his side’s defensive line.

In an interview with Eurosport, Konate was asked to compare Upamecano to Van Dijk.

“What kind of question is that? You can’t compare the two,” Konate said.

“With Upamecano, we are in the same category even if he is a very high competitor. But Van Dijk, I put him on a different planet.

“We’re [himself and Upamecano] still a long way from achieving what he did. Although we will get there one day, I have no doubt. What have I learned from playing with Van Dijk? Leadership, he has such an ease in defending on certain players.

“He has his own technique, it’s incredible. His determination, his drive. He has an aura on the pitch, you always feel it. It’s an exceptional chance to play with him. But I also have to look at my career and not look at him as a fan all the time.”