Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Naby Keita following Liverpool’s 5-0 win against Huddersfield Town on Friday, which meant the Reds reclaimed their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Keita, 24, was a key presence in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, which was able to stifle Huddersfield’s and keep the Reds on the front throughout the game.
Klopp was blown away by the performance of the midfielder and expressed his delight over what was one of Keita’s best performances so far this season.
“He’s a complete player he was so difficult to deal with, with his energy in the middle, I don’t know how many balls he blocked tonight and then he had his offensive situations as well,” said Klopp whilst being interviewed following the game on Sky Sports Main Event [10:05pm].
Liverpool’s emphatic win not only brought them back to the top of the Premier League table, but also reduced the gap between their goal difference and Manchester City’s, with City now just three goals better off in terms of goal difference.
Keita’s performance was key to some of Liverpool’s goals against Huddersfield, with the Guinea international opening the scoring after just 15 seconds, Liverpool’s fastest ever Premier League goal.
Klopp suggested he is beginning to adapt to life in the Premier League. He said: “I think he is getting there, I always thought he’d need a year to adapt but thankfully he’s getting there this season now.”
OPINION
Liverpool’s encounter with Huddersfield on Friday was always going to be a must win game, if they were to continue their push for the Premier League title. It was vital that the Reds got off to a good start to ease any potential nerves around Anfield, and Keita was instrumental to Liverpool’s perfect start with his pressing winning back the ball before he swept home Mohamed Salah’s pass. Klopp is right to suggest that Keita is beginning to adapt to life in the English top flight, with the midfielder having a mixed first season at Anfield so far, the energy he brings to Liverpool’s midfield is now starting to make a difference for Liverpool as the season approaches its conclusion. Klopp will be hopeful that Keita can continue to make a key impact in Liverpool’s final two Premier League games, as well as the games against Barcelona in the Champions League. If the Guinean can continue performing like he did tonight, all be it against a team that has already been relegated, he will be a key player for the Reds next season as well as in the closing stages if this one.
