33 EZRI KONSA

After lifting the Under-20 World Cup with England last year, you have impressed at Charlton this term, mainly at centre-back. Are you pleased with your form? I’ve been very pleased. I’m playing week in, week out, and I’ve got to thank the gaffer for that. I’ve also played right-back, so I’m learning a lot playing in different positions.

Lee Bowyer, Charlton assistant, compared you to Rio Ferdinand. How did that feel? I’m really happy. He played with Rio and he sees something in me that he spotted in Rio. I looked up to Rio Ferdinand, and I’d like to say there are similarities in our style. He was composed on the ball, I’m composed on the ball, he was a bit of a leader, and although I wouldn’t say I’m a leader at the moment because I’m still young, I’m growing into it. There was talk of Brighton making an £8m move for you in January, and you’ve been linked with Liverpool, Everton, Man United and Man City. How flattering is that? It’s really flattering, but I haven’t let it go to my head. I didn’t move anywhere in January but it’s not the end of the world. I’m focusing on trying to get promotion with Charlton and then hopefully we’ll see what happens in the summer. The plan is to play in the Premier League one day. Hopefully, if I keep working hard, I’ll get there.

You were a boyhood Tottenham supporter. Would that be a dream move? Of course. Tottenham are now a heavyweight team so I’d love to go there – why not?

You played for Senrab, like John Terry, Sol Campbell and Ledley King. You also came through at Charlton with Joe Gomez and Ademola Lookman. Does that inspire you? Yes, I know Joe and Ademola well – I speak to Ademola on a daily basis. They’re playing at higher levels, and I get some advice from them. They both came through the Charlton ranks, so everything is possible.