FC Midtjylland’s Ousmane Diao has spoken highly of the Liverpool duo of Hugo Ekitike and Cirgil van Dijk during an interview with Foot Mercato.
The Senegalese defender arrived in Europe for the first time when CD Mafra signed him in 2023 and a year later, the Portuguese club sold him to Midtjylland. He has cemented his place in the heart of the Danish club’s defence.
Foot Mercato asked Diao his favourite team and the players he draws inspiration from. This is when he mentioned Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and his compatriot.
“When I was younger, I followed Chelsea and was very inspired by John Terry. I watched a lot of his matches. But nowadays, I would say Kalidou Koulibaly and Virgil Van Dijk,” he said.
He also mentioned Hugo Ekitike, who arrived at Liverpool from Eintracht Frankfurt in July.
Last season, the centre-back came up against the Reds summer signing when Midtjylland faced the German club in the Europa League.
Eintracht Frankfurt secured a 2-1 win and although Ekitike, who was on the pitch for 82 minutes, didn’t score, he did enough to leave an impact on Diao.
When asked about an opponent he found ‘particularly tough’, the 21-year-old said he would love to play alongside Ekitike.
“Last year, against Frankfurt, there were a lot of good players like Ekitike, Marmoush, etc. But Hugo Ekitike was particularly difficult. Honestly, I’d love to play with him in the future [laughs]. His movement is incredible. He’s fast, technical… he’s very strong!” Diao explained.
The defender has a contract until 2029 and Transfermarkt currently value him at €7.5m. He has an ambition to play in the Premier League.
“The dream next step is to go to England, to the biggest clubs God willing. To go and play in the Champions League, all that,” he added.
Liverpool fit the description and a move to Anfield would also see him play alongside Ekitike. There’s a very long road ahead for Ousmane Diao.
