Jurgen Klopp admits there’s still “a lot to come” from Naby Keita at Liverpool but backed the “outstanding” midfielder to deliver.
Keita arrived at Anfield last summer, 12 months after it was first announced Liverpool had signed the Guinea international from German side RB Leipzig.
The 24-year-old has not been an automatic first-choice in his debut campaign in England and has made just 12 league starts so far, as he battles with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Fabinho for game-time in midfield under Klopp.
Keita is likely to come back into the side for Wednesday’s home clash with Watford after being an unused sub in Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Manchester United and Klopp has backed him to eventually come good.
The Reds boss admits Keita has taken his time to adapt, while a few niggling injuries have also restricted him, but he is in no doubt over his ability.
“He is an outstanding player and sometimes he has showed this but he’s had a little bit of injuries and is at a new club but this is a long term project and there is a lot to come,” Klopp said.
“That doesn’t mean he hasn’t performed already – West Ham second half and Bournemouth really good game. “That’s how it is, everything is fine and it will be fine.”
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