The mere fact that Ibrahima Konate was sitting out in front of the media was enough of a reason to suggest the Liverpool centre-back is growing in stature inside the current squad. But as the defender faced up to questions to preview Tuesday's visit from Lille, it was clear to see how much more of a leader he now sees himself as at Anfield.

The France international put on a clinic for the gathered journalists on the eve of the Champions League's return as he answered questions on a range of topics with honesty. From being offered a new contract through to playing with the aid of painkillers and the matter-of-fact belief that his and Virgil van Dijk's partnership is currently Europe's most fearsome, it was remarkably candid stuff from the former RB Leipzig star.

Indeed, such was the unflinching nature of Konate's display that some within the media were questioning whether it might be the last time he is asked by club officials to step in for European fixtures. There was little left to the imagination for those searching for news updates.

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"Who talked about that [contract offer] a few months ago?" Konate replied when it was first put to him about ongoing discussions over a new deal. "The club didn't say anything, I didn't say anything, it's one person that says that. I was not ready, I didn't know when he said that but after I spoke with the club. But after, I'm really focused on what happened now and we'll see what will happen."

Asked if he had in fact been offered fresh terms, he was eventually forced to concede that he had, before offering "this is another conversation" when urged to disclose if he was close to penning it.

Liverpool, despite what it might feel like at times for supporters, are hard at work behind the scenes, attempting to get their best players on new deals. Konate is no different and the club are hopeful of tying down the France international for what they view as the best years of his career.

At the age of 25, he is neatly poised to kick on and fulfill the potential that made talent-spotters outline him as someone who could become one of the finest on the continent when they plucked him from Leipzig four years ago.

Konate, in fact, already believes he is in that bracket, saying of his partnership with captain Van Dijk: "This season, yes, I think [it's been the best in the Champions League]. For sure, Virgil, everyone knows Virgil and his qualities. For me, he is the best and no-one is better than him in this position.

"And for me, I have learned a lot from him and others like Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, and like I said to him always, or I haven't said it to him, but I always say I want to be better than [Van Dijk] one day. That is why I work hard to reach this level one day. I have never said it to him but he will be proud I think.

"I remember I came to this club when I was 21, I was really young and the players around me were older than me. I think I have grown up in every situation like a human, like a player and I take a lot of experience. The club have helped me a lot to become captain of the France squad. And it's a great moment for me but it is just the start, I just have to work hard to be in this way."

If Konate's words on his growing importance within the squad are heartening to hear, the most obvious example of his increased influence came with the act of declaring himself fit as quickly as possible after Joe Gomez pulled up with a hamstring problem at West Ham United on December 29.

An instant recall came in the following game at Manchester United and Konate revealed he presented the medical staff with cookies as a thank-you for getting him up to speed so soon after an injury crisis threatened to engulf the title chasers at the turn of the year.

"The physios and medical staff have done a very good job for me," he adds. "Every day I spent, I don't know how long I spent at the club every day when I was injured and I was very happy and I thanked them with some cookies!

"This season, they have done a very good job with me. They never take a risk with me, it was very me who was ready. I play with a bit of pain but it is enough to play."

There has been a school of thought that suggests Konate has been enjoying his best season to date at Anfield and having played 22 times for the Premier League and Champions League leaders, it's a theory that carries plenty of weight.

He says: "Everyone wants to fight for this club, the fans and at the end, if we reach something nice we will be happy because we have given sacrifices. This is one of our targets to finish in the top of the Champions League, we play a very good team and we have to be ready because they will come here for a result so we try for three points."

Liverpool may have more pressing concerns, contracts-wise, as the impasses over Trent Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah rumble on without an imminent resolution but Konate's performances - both in front of the media and on the pitch - have given them another high-profile negotiation to conclude.