OPINION
It is difficult to define Naby Keita’s first season at Liverpool. Upon arrival, the fans were in awe of his ability, but then injury struck and he was just not the same after that.
The 24-year-old is talented, no doubt about that. However, the setbacks he has had this season have seriously derailed him and have compromised just how good he can be. He can be a real asset to Jurgen Klopp’s team next term if he continues to improve.
Team Talk recently linked him with a move away from Anfield, claiming that Klopp was ready to cash in on the Guinea international. Seeing as he is yet to complete his first season with the club, it seems as though they may have jumped the gun a bit here.
Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have been ahead of him in the pecking order recently, and rightly so. However, Friday’s clash against Southampton may present Keita with the perfect platform to prove the doubters wrong and play his best game yet.
Klopp must unleash the passmaster alongside the likes of Fabinho and Wijnaldum. Together, the trio would be a formidable force. What’s more, Keita’s best game this term has come when playing with the pair.
Facing these three players would no doubt strike fear into Southampton’s midfield. Yes, Keita has not been the best he could be this season, but to write him off now would be unfair. If he is chosen and performs well, his poor displays would be forgotten in an instant.
Klopp needs to rotate his squad ahead of next week’s Champions League quarter-final with Porto, so what better chance is there for Keita to prove himself?
There isn’t. The manager must be bold and hand Keita the opportunity to shine.
