Liverpool centre-back Virgil can Dijk has named defensive partner Ibrahima Konate as the one Liverpool player who has surprised him the most since joining the club.
Konate is part of Didier Deschamps' 26-manFrance World Cup squad in Qatar and is hoping to make the starting XI for Les Bleus' opening group stage match against Australia on Tuesday.
But it is his performances for Liverpool and the impact he has had on the squad that have left a lasting impression on team-mate Van Dijk.
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The Dutchman gave on interview to the YouTube football channel Pitch Side, where he was asked which Reds player had taken him most by surprise during his time at Anfield.
Van Dijk, who will captain Holland at the World Cup, said: "It’s a difficult one, but I think Konate over the last year, personality-wise he’s very outspoken, bubbly, and chatty, but on the pitch, he’s quality of course. An incredible player for now, but also for the future. He’s the first one that comes to mind.
“But also Luis Diaz, coming in in the winter, for me personally knowing how difficult it can be, joining a new team and settling as quickly as he did, so those two guys come to mind immediately.”
When it came to choosing the best player he has ever played with, Van Dijk is spoiled for choice, but makes a solid choice rooted in Brazilian flair.
He said: “At Liverpool, probably Bobby Firmino. Knowing how difficult it is playing against him as a defender because he drops deep. I’ll say him, but you know, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Thiago now, it’s been a joy to play with these guys.
“With the national team, we’ve got Frenkie de Jong, who is really good. When he made his debut, we started to really change the way we play, and he’s so influential for us. He’s incredible, and hopefully, he will do very well for us at the World Cup.”
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