Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr has named Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as his role model and expressed his ambition to become the best centre-back globally.
Sarr has rejoined Chelsea after his loan at Strasbourg was cut short by head coach Liam Rosenior.
The 20-year-old showcased his skills under Rosenior at the French club and was part of the Senegal team that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
He made his first appearance of the season as Chelsea won 4-0 against Hull City in the FA Cup on Friday night, helping secure a clean sheet in the fourth-round match.
Reflecting on his return to Chelsea and his future aspirations, Sarr mentioned players he aims to emulate. He looks up to Van Dijk but also feels his style resonates with Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammate, Ibrahima Konate.
“I want to be like Virgil van Dijk. I love Van Dijk. People used to call me that when I was younger,” he told ESPN.
“But others tell me I play like Ibrahima Konate. It’s quite similar. He’s a leader, which is crucial for a defender. I communicate a lot on and off the pitch. It’s an important role. I believe I read the game well.
“With the ball, I can make accurate passes. As a kid, my dream was to be the best centre-back in the world.”
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