Liverpool news: Pundit makes ‘honest’ Naby Keita claim after ‘100 per cent’ reveal
Naby Keita has been “wrongly criticised” during his time at Liverpool, according to Kevin Campbell.
The former Arsenal and Everton striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Jurgen Klopp’s side have “not missed a beat” when the 27-year-old is in the team.
Keita starred for Liverpool on Tuesday night in a 3-1 win over Benfica in the first leg of their Champions League quarter final.
Speaking ahead of the match, as quoted by Anfield Watch (5 April), the centre-midfielder revealed he believes he’s been “100 per cent full-out” this calendar year.
He added that he hopes to continue in such a vein for the remainder of this season and next.
His contract runs until the summer of 2023.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Keita, Campbell said: “Keita is a good player.
“The fact of the matter is, the expectation was big when he came in. In some people’s eyes he hasn’t lived up to that but as far as I’m concerned he doesn’t let Liverpool down when he plays. I think he’s been wrongly criticised at times.
“He hasn’t scored the goals we perhaps expected but he has been solid, tough and works hard. Liverpool have not missed a beat with him in the team, let’s be honest.
“Sometimes you do not know what the manager is asking him to do. Klopp might just want him to sit in and let the front boys do the business.
“Keita is one of the midfielders in rotation for a Liverpool side that are challenging on every front. He cannot be doing too bad.”
In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has demanded a major VAR change after James Milner claim.