Klopp can unearth Liverpool's next Konate by unleashing “incredible” £450k-rated gem – opinion

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool outfit may have another Ibrahima Konate in their academy ranks.

The Reds have had a plethora of talent emerge over the last few seasons, with Billy Koumetio looking as though he could be one of the next big prospects.

The 19-year-old has been a regular feature for the Liverpool U23s, starting 88% of their Premier League 2 games this season.

Koumetio, like Konate, progressed through the youth system in their native country France, though the former made the switch to England at U19 level to continue his development before playing senior football.

On the topic of senior football, Koumetio was given the chance to feature for the first team, lining up as a left centre-back in a partnership with Joe Gomez against Leicester City in the EFL Cup back in November.

Ironically, Koumetio was substituted at half-time for Ibrahima Konate, with the switch taking place purely for tactical reasons.

It is easy to see why Klopp backed the youngster against a strong Leicester City side, who were narrowly defeated 8-7 on penalties, after pushing the Anfield side all the way in what was an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Though, it was the £450k-rated starlet’s performance against Atletico Madrid in a U19 UEFA Youth League game that had U23 manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson waxing lyrical over his talent.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo after the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Fernando Torres’ side, the youth manager said:

“I thought Billy was outstanding. He was shown a yellow card midway through the first half and that was always going to be tricky, but I thought he dealt with it and played a really mature game.”

On the then-18-year-old’s potential, Bridge-Wilkinson added: “He’s doing really well. We know the potential he has got and he