SerpApi.Org
England international Ezri Konsa has been identified by former Liverpool star Jason McAteer as a perfect signing for the club.
Konsa's reputation has grown significantly over the last month after helping the Three Lions reach the World Cup semifinals, and he scored in the 6-4 bronze playoff match against France at the weekend. Liverpool is weighing up its center-back options following the exit of Ibrahima Konate last month on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Konsa lifted the Europa League trophy with Aston Villa last season and is understood to be attracting interest from several clubs, including Champions League runner-up Arsenal.
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McAteer reckons the 28-year-old would prove shrewd business in alleviating the pressure of experience on skipper Virgil van Dijk and aiding the development of youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
"I see a more ready-made center-back coming in who's got international experience, who knows the Premier League, and that for me would be someone like Konsa," he said.
"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.
"Listen, his performances under (Unai) 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.
"He's good in the air, he's quick, he reads the game, and obviously Liverpool have missed out on quite a few very good central defenders, with Marc Guehi being one.
"I don't think they should make that mistake again with Konsa."
Speaking to PariruiX, McAteer added: "Villa are very active in the market at the minute. They've lost (Morgan) Rogers and (Youri) Tielemans.
"And when I say active, I mean negatively.
"Unai Emery will be fighting to keep his sort of marquee players and Konsa is that marquee player, but money talks.
"If Liverpool are going to go and throw £80 million ($107 million) at Konsa and bring him in then Villa, I'm sure for FFP, will take the opportunity for that kind of money.
"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 when he comes in, so Konsa would be a good buy for me."
