Liverpool defender Konate: Upamecano not in Van Dijk class

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate insists Virgil van Dijk is a class above.

Konate and Van Dijk have emerged as the first-choice centre-back partnership for Liverpool, although they have been limited to just eight games together this season.

And, speaking to Eurosport France, the Liverpool defender dismissed comparisons between Van Dijk and his France and former RB Leipzig team-mate Dayot Upamecano by placing his Reds colleague in a completely different sphere.

"What kind of question is that?" said Konate. "You can't compare the two. 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 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."