Ibrahima Konate has been discussing the qualities that he will offer to Liverpool in 2021-22 and revealed what his nickname will be at Anfield.
The highly-rated 22-year-old has completed a £36 million ($50m) move to Merseyside from RB Leipzig and is expected to slot straight into Jurgen Klopp's side after inheriting the No.5 shirt from Georginio Wijnaldum.
A place alongside Virgil van Dijk could be taken up at the heart of the Reds' back four, with the no-nonsense Frenchman confident that he can pass any Premier League test.
What has been said?
Asked about his playing style by Liverpool's official website, Konate has said: "I am big, I am strong and I am not scared with the ball!
"I can score more with my foot than my head, it is a little bit strange! This is me!
"Yes, I have this quality, but I have to work again and again and more and more and more for being a very good defender."
Pressed on whether he feels confident about adapting his game to meet the demands of English football, Konate added: "Yes, I have watched some Premier League games and everybody knows there is so much intensity, strong players.
"This is difficult but I love the challenge."
What will Konate be known as?
Liverpool have invested heavily in Konate's potential and will be looking for him to hit the ground running in his new surroundings.
He has already linked up with Jurgen Klopp's squad for the start of pre-season training, as the countdown begins to a season opener against Norwich on August 14, and the Frenchman has revealed what he will be known as by those around him.
Quizzed on whether he has a nickname, the talented centre-half said: "Yes, ‘Ibou’ because when I was young, every time my mother would call me ‘Ibou, Ibou’.
"When I was on the first day in Leipzig, she was with me and she would say every time, ‘Hey, Ibou… Ibou… Ibou…’ and Ralf Rangnick asked, ‘Why ‘Ibou’?’ So, I said it was my nickname because every time my mum would call me that every time and my family too. He said, ‘OK, now it’s Ibou’ and afterwards everyone would call me it."
Further reading
- 'Klopp not sure there is a player for Liverpool'
- Klopp claims no wantaway stars at Liverpool
- Mbappe told Liverpool are 'best fit' in Premier League