Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp insists ‘outstanding’ Naby Keita will live up to his price tag

Jurgen Klopp has admitted Naby Keita is still struggling to perform at his highest level for Liverpool, but he has no doubts about the £52million signing.

Keita, the midfielder, arrived at Anfield over the summer – 12 months after Liverpool agreed a deal to sign him from RB Leipzig – but performances have been below the expected level.

The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances in total, but after a bright start to his Liverpool career he appears to have regressed – and Klopp has not played him in any of the club’s previous three matches.

Nonetheless, Klopp is confident the Guinea international will adapt to English football and he promises ‘outstanding player’ Keita has ‘so much to come’.

“I spoke to Naby,” the Reds boss said. “Everything is fine. I am completely happy with Naby.

“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.”

Keita is likely to get a start in Monday night’s FA Cup tie at Wolves – which is LIVE on talkSPORT – as one of a number of players in need of pitch time.

Another of those is Adam Lallana, who has had his struggles with injuries also.

“I can tell you it is a good opportunity for all the players,” added Klopp.

“Adam is actually in outstanding shape. It’s unbelievable. It was close in the last game whether we started him or not. He is really, really good.

“Always in life if you learn from your experiences – you cannot learn too much from being injured – but when you come back what is your mood?

“Adam is a player who would play four games in a day if he could because of his desire to play football.

“He is in the best moment since I’ve known him as a person and he will have a big part of our season. That’s cool.

“He always accepts my decisions but then it is about what you make of them, if you are in or out.

“If I’m in doubt about somebody or something is wrong then I will speak to them immediately. But everything is fine. He is an important part of the squad.”