Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has lauded Reds teammate Ibrahima Konate, in conversation with the club’s media team.
On Tuesday, Jurgen Klopp’s charges ran out 3-1 winners over Benfica in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.
Konate netted his first goal for Liverpool, opening the scoring in the 17th minute from Andrew Robertson’s corner kick.
Sadio Mane then doubled the Reds’ lead in the 34th minute, applying the finishing touch to a superb counter-attack.
Liverpool then struggled early in the second half as Benfica halved the deficit.
Konate failed to clear a low ball into the box and Darwin Nunez was on hand to slam home a great poacher’s finish.
Liverpool eventually regained a foothold in the match and restored their two-goal advantage three minutes from time.
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Diaz strode confidently past Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos before slotting into the far corner of the net.
Although Konate made a mistake which gifted the hosts a goal, he was steady after that incident.
And the 22-year-old was particularly impressive in the first half, often getting the better of Nunez before the break.
“A lot of qualities”
Speaking after the game, Alisson was delighted to see Konate break his goalscoring duck for Liverpool.
“It’s really important for us,” the Brazilian said about his teammate’s goal.
“He’s a young player, a big talent with a lot of qualities.
“He is a good defender, a top guy and a really nice person as well.
“I’m happy to have him on the team and we can count on him as well to score goals.”
Klopp has used Konate sparingly since his arrival at Anfield, but he’s showing signs of developing into a world-class player.
The Frenchman is learning from the very best and surely it won’t be long before he’s a first-team regular at Liverpool.