Former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel has backed his former teammates Ibrahima Konaté and Trent Alexander-Arnold to make their mark at Real Madrid, speaking about both players in an interview with AS.
Adrián spent several years alongside Konaté and Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, giving him first-hand knowledge of their qualities both on and off the pitch. He believes Konaté has all the attributes required to succeed at Real Madrid, highlighting the Frenchman’s speed, aerial ability, competitiveness,
and experience at the highest level.
“Ibu is a star. He’s incredibly fast, provides great solidity to the defensive line, and is a force to be reckoned with in the air. He’s one of those center-backs who gives a goalkeeper peace of mind. He’s very competitive and a born winner. He comes from a club used to fighting for everything and has the personality and experience to prove his worth at a club as big as Real Madrid.”
Asked to describe Konaté’s profile, Adrián compared elements of his game to two Real Madrid defenders, Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen. He believes Konaté combines physical dominance with the ability to contribute in possession.
“I don’t particularly like comparisons, but I’d say he’s a mix between Rüdiger’s aggression and strength and Huijsen’s footwork because he has good ball distribution, makes diagonal runs, and has the necessary composure to play the ball out from the back. I know him, and I’m convinced he’ll do phenomenally.”
Konaté formed a successful partnership with Virgil van Dijk during his time at Liverpool, and Adrián believes finding the right chemistry with his new defensive teammates will be important. He also pointed to Konaté’s recovery speed as an asset for a Real Madrid side that can leave space behind its defensive line.
“Virgil is a phenomenon, and Konaté complemented him perfectly. He needs to get to know his teammates, discover who he has the best chemistry with, and he’s sure to contribute a lot because he has the physique, quality, personality, and experience. With his speed, he can be a valuable defensive solution when Real Madrid leaves too much space behind them.”
Adrián also offered some insight into Konaté’s personality away from the pitch, describing him as an upbeat and well-liked presence in the dressing room.
“Konate is a sweetheart. Despite his size, he’s a sensitive, affectionate, and very affable guy. He never loses his smile, he’s always in a good mood, and once he learns the language, I think he’s going to be a pleasant surprise in the Real Madrid dressing room. He’s a great teammate.”
There should be few concerns about Konaté adjusting to the physical demands at Real Madrid, according to Adrián, given the standards he has already experienced at Liverpool.
“He’s got a great training regimen (laughs). The demands there are extremely high, and he’s used to it and prepared for anything. He has the pedigree, and as he adapts, he’ll prove he’s a great signing for Real Madrid.”
The conversation also turned to Alexander-Arnold. Adrián believes a combination of adaptation, tactical changes, and injuries have prevented the Englishman from showing his best level consistently, but remains confident that the version of Alexander-Arnold seen at Liverpool will eventually emerge in Madrid.
“For Trent, I think it was a combination of adaptation, a change in style, and injuries, which hampered him considerably. That prevented him from developing further. Expectations were immense, and everyone expected much more from him, but I’m convinced he’s going to deliver the performance he showed at Liverpool. He’s at a higher level, and he’s going to prove it.”
Adrián also pushed back against the longstanding criticism of Alexander-Arnold’s defending. While acknowledging that his attacking instincts can create space behind him, he argued that a player could not have spent so many years playing right-back for Liverpool without being capable defensively.
“No. Being such an attacking full-back sometimes leaves a lot of space behind him, but he tracks back well and has successfully defended against great wingers. He likes to get to the byline, which is why the central midfielder and the right center-back have to be very attentive to covering, but he’s very quick to recover his position. He’s been labeled as a right-back, but someone who doesn’t defend well can’t play so many years at right-back for a team like Liverpool. The manager will have to adjust his position on the field, but he likes to feel free.”
Finally, Adrián was open to the possibility of Alexander-Arnold eventually being used in a more central role. His passing range, vision, shooting, and ability to operate between the lines, he believes, give him the technical tools to play away from his traditional right-back position.
“I wouldn’t rule it out. He has an incredible shot, good vision, precise passing, he likes to play between the lines, and he has superhuman movement. I’ve seen countless switches of play at Anfield from his wing to Robertson’s, and he’d almost always put the ball right at his feet. He’s a versatile player, and it’s not unreasonable to see him playing centrally because he has the potential for it. He needs confidence and the right mindset to get back to his best form, and for his physical condition to hold up.”
