Liverpool and Tottenham Eyeing Move for Aston Villa Defender Ezri Konsa

Ezri Konsa: Aston Villa Defender Attracting Interest From Top Six Clubs

Why Liverpool Still Need Another Centre-Back

Liverpool’s defence has usually been a cornerstone of their success. However, this season they have suffered a defensive crisis, with long-term injuries to the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. So far, Jurgen Klopp’s side have been leaking far too many goals and the German will be looking to add a fresh injection of quality to pad out the Liverpool defence.

Konsa’s Career so Far

Konsa broke into the first-team at Charlton Athletic during the 2016/17 season. He quickly established himself as a regular in the starting 11, showing versatility throughout the season by featuring at centre-back, full-back and even in defensive midfield. Such efforts were rewarded with him being awarded the club’s Young Player of The Year.

The 23-year-old made his mark on the international stage that summer as he helped the England team lift the 2017 U20 World Cup. In the following season, Konsa remained a key player at the heart of the Addicks defence, featuring in 39 games as Charlton were beaten in the League One Play-off semi-final.

Following his season, Konsa linked up with Dean Smith at Brentford when he was signed in the summer of 2018. He immediately became a regular fixture in the Bee’s defence, playing 42 games as they finished 11th in The Championship.

The England U20 World Cup winner signed for the newly-promoted Villa in a £12 million transfer in the summer of 2019. The youngster enjoyed a steady first season, playing 25 times as narrowly avoided relegation.

This campaign, however, has seen the centre-back improve massively, becoming a major focal point in Aston Villa’s upturn in fortunes alongside his defensive partner Tyrone Mings. Dean Smith’s side currently sit in eighth place and look capable of competing for a European position.

There has been a great deal of credit for Smith in spearheading their rise up the table. A lot of praise has been given to midfield maverick Jack Grealish for his creativity. However, one of the key foundations of Villa’s success has been the backline, who have showed tremendous solidarity this season, managing nine clean sheets and conceding just 24 goals.

Such form will likely lead to international recognition for Konsa, with the young defender very much on Gareth Southgate’s radar for the delayed Euro 2020. Southgate will be familiar with the defender having managed him at England youth level.