Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits Naby Keita has yet to reproduce the form which persuaded him to spend £52million on the midfielder – but it is not a concern.
The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances since arriving in the summer – 12 months after the Reds agreed a deal to sign him from RB Leipzig – but has failed to feature in the last three matches.
Keita started the season promisingly but a couple of niggling injuries set him back, however, Klopp is prepared to give him time to adapt.
“I spoke to Naby. Everything is fine. I am completely happy with Naby,” said the Reds boss.
“Could he be a bit more confident in the games? Yes. Is he exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig? No. He is still adapting, that’s how it is.
“Everyone saw at the beginning of the season how brilliant he played. Tottenham was a fantastic game from him, without thinking too much.
“A little injury here, a little injury there, and it was kind of a little setback but he is a fantastic player and I am really happy to have him here.
“It is so good and I am looking forward to our common future. You see it every day, wow, there is so much to come and there is so much influence he can have on each game.
“There was no reason (for leaving him out), just other boys were in a good shape as well, a bit was positioning, the system, all that stuff, and that’s how football decisions are.
“There is really no doubt about the boy, he is an outstanding player.”
