Klopp warned of Liverpool star’s problems after promising derby display

Guinea head coach Michel Dussuyer says his compatriot Naby Keita only needs a solid run of matches to find his best form in a Liverpool shirt.

Keita signed for Liverpool in 2017, joining in 2018, but his Anfield career to date has followed a recurring pattern.

The midfielder has enjoyed several short spells of impressive performances, before a small injury would halt his progress.

Indeed, such spells have ruled him out of several key matches, including the Champions League final in June last year.

Speaking to ESPN, Dussuyer insisted Keita has what it takes to become unmissable for Jurgen Klopp.

He added, however, that the midfielder’s current “problem” with injury is severely holding him back.

“For him to blossom today, he simply needs to put together a run of performances and to get some rhythm,” the manager said.

“He certainly has enough quality to express himself in this magnificent league. “[Naby has] enormous technical qualities, but not only that.

“He doesn’t have a massive frame, but he’s capable of compensating with a lot of energy, of breaking the lines, of being decisive with his final pass.

“He’s a player who belongs at this high level, but it’s hard to express yourself when you’re so often halted. This is the problem he has at the moment with Liverpool, he’s so often injured.

“I’m obviously not well placed to know the reason for these repetitive injuries. I think he must have enough people around him of quality to manage these problems, but either way, it’s a problem which is putting the brakes on his ability to express himself at the moment.”

Keita was a standout performer for Liverpool in an otherwise lukewarm Merseyside derby on Sunday.

The Reds moved one step closer to Premier League title glory with the 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.

LIVERPOOL’S MINAMINO PROBLEM?

Another player in the spotlight for Liverpool was Takumi Minamino, who made his first Premier League start.

The Japan international played as part of the Reds’ front three alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

However, Jamie Carragher raised questions about his long-term ability in that position, given Liverpool’s near miss with Timo Werner.

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