Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann does not think Naby Keita will ever turn into the player the club thought they were signing two years ago.
The Guinean has struggled for form and fitness since his £52.75m arrival from RB Leipzig in 2018 and Hamann believes the Reds will have a decision to make over his future:
“I don’t see Klopp giving up on him any time soon. But whether you could get a big fee for him and that money could be better spent elsewhere is maybe something that will need to be considered.”
“The question is does Keita really believe he can become a major part of the team? Will the penny drop? Personally, I don’t think he will ever be the player at Liverpool that everyone expected him to be when he first signed because of the way the team sets up”
“But there’s still plenty of room for improvement. It’s down to him.”
There is a fierce debate among Liverpool fans on Twitter when it comes to the subject of Keita:
Unfortunately I agree with @DietmarHamann. There have been glimpses of a brilliant player and no doubt would be a brilliant asset for a @SpursOfficial type side but not consistent enough for @LFC to be bringing in the big prizes regularly. I'd Give him until Christmas tho #YNWA
— Zach Taylor (@ZachTay75055654) April 27, 2020
Still time for Naby lad.
On form he makes my first XI. Just those damn injuries….— Scouser_Les_LFC (@Scouser_Les_LFC) April 27, 2020
Well he should be injury free now
— michael horsman (@mickylove22) April 27, 2020
Some games I’ve been tearing my hair out watching him. Be blows hot and cold
— adam (@lfcads2001) April 27, 2020
Didi Hamann haven't said anything good about the club. Naby keita will be a hit in the coming season.
— PRINCE ABAIDOO #YNWA (@princeabaidooy1) April 27, 2020
Has Didi ever said anything good about LFC ?
— … (@ManLikeJezza) April 27, 2020
I agree with Didi
— Greachain4Change ?????️⚕️? (@CGreachain4) April 27, 2020
Keita has certainly not lived up to the hype since arriving in England. Part of that has been down to numerous niggling injuries, but it is also true that the 25-year-old has also failed to settle quickly into English football.
He is now believed to be finally speaking English with his teammates, which is a good sign, but his performances on the pitch have not been convincing, and it remains to be seen how much more time he will get at Anfield.