Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita believes he can offer more to the squad, if he’s able to stay fit – something he has struggled with since making the switch from Germany.
Speaking to the London Evening Standard, the Guinean says he’s improve a lot since arriving at Anfield two years ago.
“When I arrived I had to try to settle in and be able to integrate with the team. I respect [Jurgen Klopp’s] choices, so I was there to work every day,” Keita said.
“He is somebody who is able to give you explanations on the field, and that helps a lot and when you play of course you don’t ever doubt yourself. That’s coaching and he sees everything.
“I think I have now improved a lot, apart from my injuries which have kept me out of several matches. He’s somebody who communicates a lot and a coach who explains everything to all his players.”
Certainly when he’s been able to string together a few matches, our No.8 has impressed – but we do need him to stay fit otherwise we can’t build a team with him in mind.
It’s all well and good coming in and dropping a performance you’d expect from Andres Iniesta once in a blue moon, but the persistent injuries have seriously hampered Keita’s legacy at Anfield so far.
Next season is going to be huge for the Guinean – if he’s able to wrestle the starting spot from Gini Wijnaludm, or even just feature in Cup fixtures, he’ll have opportunities to shine.
A fully fit Naby is dangerous, his talent is obvious, but while he can’t seem to stay fit for a month, it’s going to waste.
Klopp asks a lot of his players. We have some serious athletes in our team, take a look at Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino.
Hopefully Keita is able to shake off his injuries for good – we know there is a world-class midfielder in there.