Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer believes Ezri Konsa would be an ideal signing for the Reds, and his argument makes a lot of sense.
With Liverpool continuing to search for defensive reinforcements, McAteer feels the Aston Villa and England defender offers exactly what Andoni Iraola’s squad currently lacks: proven Premier League quality and leadership.
Speaking about Konsa, McAteer said:
“I see a more ready-made centre-back coming in who’s got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa.”
More Than Just a Centre-Back
McAteer believes Konsa’s experience would be invaluable, particularly with Virgil van Dijk entering the latter stages of his career.
Rather than relying entirely on young defenders such as Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool could bring in someone capable of immediately strengthening the defence while also helping those younger players develop.
That is an important point.
Young defenders benefit enormously from playing alongside experienced professionals.
Konsa could help bridge the gap between the current generation and the next.
Consistency Counts
McAteer also praised Konsa’s reliability.
“Listen, his performances under Emery for Aston Villa have been exciting. I think he’s been solid. I think he’s a solid 7.5 out of 10 every game.”
Consistency is one of the most underrated qualities in football.
While spectacular performances attract headlines, teams challenging for trophies also need players who deliver high standards every single week.
Konsa has built that reputation over several seasons in the Premier League.
World Cup Performances
McAteer also believes the World Cup has further strengthened Konsa’s reputation.
“I don’t think he’s done himself any harm with his performances at the World Cup. I think he showed his versatility and maturity.”
Playing well on the biggest international stage only reinforces the belief that Konsa is capable of handling pressure.
That experience would naturally appeal to a club with Liverpool’s ambitions.
The Price Tag
The biggest obstacle is likely to be Aston Villa’s valuation.
McAteer suggested Liverpool could need to pay around £80 million to convince Villa to sell.
That is a huge fee.
However, Premier League-proven, England internationals in their prime rarely come cheaply.
Villa also have little incentive to weaken their own squad unless a truly exceptional offer arrives.
A Ready-Made Leader
Perhaps McAteer’s strongest argument concerns the future.
“When Virgil van Dijk goes you don’t want someone who is in that young mould. You want someone who’s got that experience, who takes over from Virgil van Dijk and can nurture the younger player.”
That is difficult to argue against.
Liverpool already have exciting young defenders.
What they may lack is another experienced organiser capable of leading the back line once Van Dijk eventually moves on.
Konsa fits that description perfectly.
My View
I find myself agreeing with Jason McAteer.
If Liverpool are serious about competing for the Premier League and Champions League over the next few seasons, signing someone like Ezri Konsa would make a great deal of sense.
He is:
- Premier League proven.
- An England international.
- Consistent.
- Athletic.
- Comfortable on the ball.
- Experienced enough to lead.
- Young enough to remain at the top level for several years.
The fee would undoubtedly be significant.
But if Liverpool believe Konsa can become the long-term leader of the defence after Virgil van Dijk, it may ultimately prove money well spent.
The question now is whether Liverpool agree.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Nathan Collins is a better fit then, and naturally left sided to boot. Cheaper, and if we get Zabarnyi from PSG, it could set us up really well for the next few seasons.