Claudius wrote:
So, Ricky, what you think about Konate coming into partner Sokratis next season based on what you saw tonight? And what Would be a fair price range?
I do not think a defender like Sokratis would be the ideal partner for the kid. Konate was very aggressive in his marking, constantly playing on the front foot, and he looks a very clean tackler. But I reckon a wise old head, a bit more reserved in his defending would suit him better. More Mertesacker in style than Sokratis.
He's definitely still a bit wet behind the ears. A few times he really didn't spot the danger until a lot later than he should have. And he got caught out 3 or 4 times after a charge forward. He showed great pace to get back when he did spot the danger though.
I was a bit disappointed he left Lewandowski unmarked in the box so many times. Probably about 10 by my count. Sometimes he had switched off momentarily, other times he was legitmately picking up someone else. The ball always finds its way to Lewandowski though. Something De Ligt made sure he was aware of when Ajax played Bayern earlier in the season. He was all over him every single time. I remember being very impressed by that at the time.
He's a cracking prospect though. Shades of a young Koulibaly. Quick, extremely powerful, decent on the turn for a guy that is 6'3" or 6'4" and a modern defender in the way he defends with tight marking, on the front foot, a clean and precise tackler, and looks to progress play when he's on the ball.
At this stage, though, I don't think anyone's paying more than £30m for him because he still has a lot of learning to do. I don't see who'd pay more right now. De Ligt is going for a lot more but he's an old head on young shoulders.
