Ekitike’s friend talks up Liverpool move: ‘I can learn from Van Dijk’

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins has spoken glowingly about Liverpool, which has given rise to some transfer speculation.

The Germany international joined Frankfurt from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and established himself as a regular last season. Collins massively impressed head coach Dino Toppmoller with his versatility.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back. Although he prefers to feature centrally, his pace and physicality made him a very good right-back last term.

So far in this still-young season, Collins has been able to primarily play at the heart of the defence, and he has, for the most part, excelled in his more natural position.

The only blotch on what has otherwise been a good start to the season came on his Germany debut, where he lasted just 45 minutes in a 2-0 loss to Slovakia while struggling at right-back.

Collins talks up Liverpool move

That one game notwithstanding, Collins is undeniably one of the biggest talents in the Bundesliga, and he recently raised eyebrows with his lavish praise for Liverpool, who are, of course, in the market for a centre-back.

“I’m incredibly happy in Frankfurt, but I also think the Premier League is great, especially Liverpool FC,” he said in a Kicker interview when asked to name the one club he dreams of playing for.

“You should always set high goals; that’s why we all started playing football. But honestly, that’s not playing a role in my thoughts at the moment. I feel very comfortable at Eintracht and am extremely excited about what lies ahead.”

He also expressed his delight that he will come up against the Reds and his idol Virgil van Dijk in the Champions League. “I was rooting for Liverpool in the draw,” Collins revealed.

“Van Dijk is, in my opinion, the best central defender in the world. I can learn everything from him: his heading ability and timing, his calmness and physical presence, his aura.”

Reports have suggested that Liverpool could look at Collins as an alternative to priority target Marc Guehi. However, after doing business with Frankfurt for his former teammate Hugo Ekitike this summer, they will be well aware that signing players from the Eagles is hugely expensive.

Football transfer news headlines today

EXCLUSIVE: Gabriel Jesus eyes January move as Premier League pair circle

Mykhailo Mudryk: Chelsea star preparing for career change amid doping ban

Amorim confirms Man Utd sacking with Pope comment

Nicolas Raskin decision confirmed as Rangers expect formal bid

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store