Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Naby Keita in the aftermath of the 3-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday. The Reds had gone into the game on the back of successive draws but they managed to return to winning ways with a strong attacking performance where Keita played his role.
Following the game, Klopp was appreciative of the efforts of the Guinea international and said that the Cherries clash was a big step for the midfielder after showing glimpses of his old self in the second half against West Ham United, he told reporters as covered by The Telegraph:
“It was a big step, this game. The second half against West Ham was a big step but nobody really realised it because nobody was happy with the game and nobody talked about this.”
Keita was found guilty of failing to mark Michail Antonio during the 1-1 draw against West Ham United last week but he made amends with a better performance at the backend of that game. The ex-Leipzig ace continue with the same form against the Cherries and the highlight came through his lovely through-ball for Roberto Firmino, who thereafter provided a back-heel assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal.
With a return to winning ways, Liverpool were temporarily at the top of the standings until Manchester City leapfrogged them with a victory of their own. Still, the Merseyside giants have the fate on their own hands with the Citizens having played an additional game more and the forthcoming league fixture at Manchester United should prove crucial to their title prospects.
Before that, however, the Reds have a round of 16 Champions League first leg tie against Bayern Munich on February 19. In preparation for that, the squad is presently in Marbella for some warm weather training.
