Naby Keita ‘not exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig,’ says Jurgen Klopp
But the German coach believes there is still much more to come from the Guinean maestro
JURGEN KLOPP says Naby Keita is yet to reach the same level of performance that saw him make a name for himself in the Bundesliga.
However, the German coach insists the former RB Leipzig midfielder is an "outstanding player" and has a bright future at Anfield.
Keita has already shown glimpses of his talent, but has dropped down the pecking order since the beginning of the season and spent the Reds' last three Premier League games on the bench.
But Klopp is confident that, even though the 23-year-old Guinean has not shown his full potential in England yet, he will fully redeem himself once he gains confidence in a new environment.
Asked about Keita's recent absence, he said: "It was not an injury, no. It's just how it is sometimes.
"I spoke to Naby. Everything is fine. I am completely happy with Naby but could he be a bit more confident in the games? Yes.
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"Is he exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig? No.
"He is still adapting, that's how it is. Everyone saw at the beginning of the season how brilliant he played.
"Tottenham was a fantastic game from him, without thinking too much. We made a change around the PSG game, I don't know when exactly, and the boys have to deal with it.
"A little injury here, a little injury there, and it was kind of a little setback but he is a fantastic player and I am really happy to have him here."
Klopp says that Keita is showing great potential in training, and has what it takes to orchestrate Liverpool's play once he is fully accustomed to the Premier League football.
He said: "It is so good and I am looking forward to our common future. You see it every day, wow, there is so much to come and there is so much influence he can have on each game. That is all good.
"There was no reason, just other boys were in a good shape as well, a bit was positioning, the system, all that stuff, and that's how football decisions are.
"There is really no doubt about the boy, he is an outstanding player.”