Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised midfield duo Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside Derby against Everton.
Thiago and Keita have both struggled with various injuries throughout their time at Anfield but, at present, are fit and could be crucial in the final few weeks of the season.
Keita joined Liverpool in 2018 from RB Leipzig and was tipped to become a star on Merseyside. However, consistent fitness issues have dented those hopes.
The Guinean midfielder has played 30 times for the Reds this season, only three less than his previous best set in his debut season.
Klopp believes rhythm has been key to Keita’s recent form.
“Naby was fit and Naby can get some rhythm it’s always good. He’s not been able to do that as much in the past, but now he can. In 2017 Keita and Thiago were best defenders in Bundesliga – Keita we bought first, then Thiago.”
Thiago, on the other hand, joined in 2020 from Bayern Munich but struggled in with injuries during his first Premier League season.
He has featured much more this campaign and put in his best performance in a red shirt against Manchester United on Tuesday evening.
Many people questioned whether the Spaniard suited Klopp’s tactics when he joined but the Liverpool boss has rubbished those claims.
“People questioned if he suits us? Thank God these people don’t make decisions. If a player calms games down in moments, it’s just of course nothing we thought. Thiago wanted to join us and he knew how we play. He thinks a lot about football.
“I don’t like to talk too much about one player. Not that he doesn’t deserve but I leave this room and I can hear that such and such a player is injured, so let’s just carry on.”
The German boss also provided an injury update for the clash with relegation threatened Everton on Sunday, revealing that Roberto Firmino is the only concern.
“No other problems but Bobby is getting better and better. It’s painful so we have to make sure he is today on the pitch. Two days to go, so maybe he can be involved.”
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