Chelsea's new defender boldly claims he wants to be a leader like Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
New Chelsea signing Mamadou Sarr has stated the Premier League star he wants to emulate.
Sarr, a 19-year-old French youth international, joined the club for £12 million after impressing under Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg.
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Sarr’s Van Dijk ambition
The youngster holds high aspirations, stating his desire to become a leader like Virgil van Dijk, although some have likened his playing style more to Ibrahima Konate.
The teenager has expressed confidence in his ability to anticipate play and deliver accurate passes, with a childhood dream of becoming the world's best centre-back.
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“I want to be like Virgil van Dijk. I love Van Dijk,” said Sarr. “But some people tell me I play like Ibrahima Konate.
“It’s similar. Van Dijk is a leader. For a defender, it’s important to be a leader. Off and on the pitch, I talk a lot. It’s an important job.
“I anticipate well. With the ball, I can pick a good pass. But I’ve come here to progress. When I was young, I had a dream to be the best centre back in the world.”
Sarr revealed that Chelsea's interest emerged late last year and he found the opportunity to play in the Premier League irresistible.
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He credits Rosenior, his former coach at Strasbourg, for significantly improving his defensive skills and overall game.
The young defender is enthusiastic about the competition within the Chelsea squad, believing it will aid his development.
“I knew of some interest approximately in November, December,” said Sarr. “It’s important to me to train well, to speak with the coach, to speak with every player, and to be confident in what I do. It’s good for me to have competition. That will help me to be a better defender.”
What’s next for Chelsea?
After Monday’s 2-0 win over LAFC, Chelsea will play Flamengo on June 20 and ES Tunis five days later in their Club World Cup campaign.
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