'I just want to be better than him one day' - Konate on Van Dijk

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate believes the partnership he has formed with captain Virgil van Dijk is the best central defence in Europe this season.

The Reds are six points clear at the top of the Premier league with a game in hand and three points clear at the top of the new League Phase of the Champions League with two games remaining - starting on Tuesday evening against Lille.

Arne Slot's side also have the best defensive record in both competitions, conceding just one goal in their European matches so far and 20 in their 21 domestically.

When asked in the pre-match news conference if his partnership with Van Dijk is the best in Europe, Konate said: "This season, yeah I think so. Everybody knows Virgil, everybody knows his quality. For me he is the best, no-one is better than him in this position.

"I learn a lot from him and from other players like [Joel] Matip, Joe [Gomez] and others who play this position as well.

"I never said it to him [Van Dijk] but I have said in interviews, I just want to be better than him one day!

"That's why I work hard, to reach this level one day."

Konate also confirmed he has been offered a new contract by the club with his current deal expiring in June 2026 but was not drawn into commenting further, adding: "This is another conversation."