Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has rejected criticism of senior teammate Virgil van Dijk.

Konate says critics do not appreciate the influence Van Dijk has on the pitch.

"You might not see it on TV. But when you play next to him and see what he does, it's incredible," Konaté told Téléfoot.

"And it is clear that I learn from him. I will continue to learn from him.

"In the dressing room too, I sit next to him. When I started playing with him I saw how easy it was for him to play and defend against certain strikers and it is clear that it is quite exceptional."