Jurgen Klopps forgotten man could benefit from Liverpool transfer setback

Record-breaking Salah leaves Liverpool boss Klopp in stitches

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Liverpool’s lack of transfer business compared to the rest of last season’s top four has given hope for some of Jurgen Klopp’s fringe stars, as the forgotten men will have another chance to prove their worth.

One of these stars is Naby Keita, who was signed for £54million from RB Leipzig in 2018, and Liverpool fans have been waiting the entirety of his Anfield career for the Guinean to deliver the high expectations that the sizeable price-tag promised.

Klopp’s only summer signing thus far is Keita’s former teammate Ibrahima Konate, who was also signed from the German outfit.

But with Georginio Wijnaldum leaving the club on a free transfer to Paris Saint Germain, a vacancy has presented itself in Liverpool’s midfield.

In truth, Liverpool aren’t exactly desperate for a new midfielder, with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner predominantly filling the starting roles when fit.

But the absence of Wijnaldum has given Keita the chance to establish himself, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones also battling for contention.

Keita started Liverpool’s opening Premier League game against Norwich City on Saturday and offered exciting glimpses of what the Guinean can offer, with an excellent display of defensive work in midfield against the Canaries. 

The 26-year-old had a brilliant pre-season, and this may finally be Keita’s breakthrough year on Merseyside, proving to Klopp that signing a replacement for Wijnaldum may not be necessary, because there has been supressed quality within the squad that is ready to blossom.

During the game against Norwich, Keita made six tackles and also won six duels, which was the highest amongst anyone in red, and one of the Keita’s five recoveries eventually led to Diogo Jota’s opening goal.

Keita’s dribbling and passing ability has never been an issue of concern, and standing just an inch smaller than Wijnaldum, the pair draw a lot of similarities under the microscope.

There’s no question that Wijnaldum was a fan favourite and had some memorable moments during his five years at Anfield – notably the quick-fire brace against Barcelona.

However, Keita is four years younger than the Dutchman and can emulate his predecessor’s success should his performances improve.

During his time in the Bundesliga, Keita scored 14 goals and recorded 13 assists from the depths of Leipzig’s midfield over two seasons.

And the Guinean will be targeting similar numbers moving forward with Liverpool, after being given more than enough time to settle in.

Keita has so far managed four Premier League goals and four assists during his time at Liverpool, in considerably less games, and the tough tackling midfielder could finally be set for a consistent run in the team.

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