Neil Jones of Goal reports that Naby Keita is “likely” to extend his contract with Liverpool.
Since moving from RB Leipzig to Anfield in 2017, the Guinean midfielder has struggled with injuries, but this year has been his most reliable one yet.
In all competitions, he played 40 games, seven more than he did in his debut Liverpool season in 2018–19.
His future is reportedly uncertain because he has one year left on his contract, but given how shallow Liverpool’s midfield is, he will be an important member of the team working to reclaim the Premier League championship.
Keita, who is only 27 years old, still has a long way to go in terms of development, especially after this season’s tremendous success, which included winning both domestic cups and narrowly missing an unprecedented quadruple.
Keita leads all Liverpool midfielders this season in successful pressures, successful tackles, finished dribbles, successful passes into the penalty area, and goals per 90.
He comes in second place in terms of carries per 90, blocks, and assists.
Before facing Villarreal in the Champions League Semifinal, manager Jurgen Klopp praised Keita’s capabilities.
“May that go on forever!” According to Klopp, Keita is fit.
“That is essential and the foundation of everything. No one notices if you possess Naby Keita’s skills but are physically unfit.”
“If you then return and your physical condition is not ideal, it is normal.”
“Due to his exceptional skill, the player is never in question, not even for a second. Therefore, it’s excellent that he’s now accessible.”
“Yes, he is a great choice. We’ll see how long we can use him tomorrow after his excellent performance [against Newcastle] in the league, but he’s a great alternative.”
The Reds will be eager to utilize him at his peak, but given that consistency has been a problem for the past four years, is it worthwhile to make the necessary financial commitment?
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