Virgil van Dijk's reaction to Ibrahima Konate's defensive works sums up his performance against Spurs

Ibrahima Konate impressed Virgil van Dijk during Liverpool's big win over Tottenham in the Premier League last weekend.

Konate starred as Liverpool returned to winning ways in the league by beating Spurs 2-1 - thanks to a Mohamed Salah brace.

The defender was colossal at the back and a moment in the second-half epitomised his stunning performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 23-year-old produced a brilliant slide tackle to intercept Harry Kane then put pressure on him, eventually conceding a foul.

But his work was appreciated by Van Dijk, who applauded Konate's endeavour.

Watch how impressed Van Dijk was with Konaté here, world class player
pic.twitter.com/tJHfPPXRPQ

— - (@PassLikeThiago) November 8, 2022

A video shows the Dutchman clapping the Frenchman as he returned to his position.

Liverpool fans online loved the moment between Konate and Van Dijk.

One Twitter user wrote: "Genuinely think he can be the best in the world if he stays injury free and keeps playing with Van Dijk the next few years, guys a unit."

A second tweeted: "Ibou is our rock. Complete defender. Colossus."

A third added: "Not just world class... but best in his position."

Another commented: "That knee-slide tackle man, this monster is Van Dijk's category."

Kane pulled one back, but Liverpool held on for the three points.

Speaking after the 2-1 win, Konate said: "We are 11 [on the pitch] and I think everyone helped each other and with that we won today.

"The last 10 minutes was very difficult for us, but I think we can see everyone was together and it was with that we won today."

The Frenchman added: "It’s a big win for the team, a massive win.

"Of course, we are very happy and I hope the fans are very happy as well. Now the game is behind us we have to be focused for the next two games before the World Cup, and we have to win the next two games to be more confident for [the rest of] the season."