Ezri Konsa's rapid rise at Arsenal peaked in a 1-0 win at Anfield, and the praise is pouring in for the former Aston Villa man.
Another star of the African diaspora is making his mark in north London. England defender Ezri Konsa, who is of African heritage, has slotted into Arsenal's backline as if he has been there for years, and his showing in the 1-0 Premier League win at Anfield was the clearest proof yet.
Konsa arrived from Aston Villa in the summer, and moving to a title-chasing side is rarely a smooth transition. Defenders have to learn new partners, new systems and new demands almost overnight. Konsa has made it look easy, bringing the calm, assured presence that made him a Villa favourite.
The Anfield test was the big one. Few away trips in English football are harder, and Arsenal left with all three points and a clean sheet. Konsa was central to that, and pundits have been quick to say how well he has fitted in and how composed he looked under pressure.
For Arsenal, the signing looks like a smart piece of business, adding quality and reliability at the back when it matters most. For Konsa, it is a major step up, and a performance like this on one of the sport's biggest stages shows he can handle it.
