Jurgen Klopp has given summer signing Naby Keita his full support despite a frustrating first few months for the midfielder at Anfield.
The Guinea international was signed in summer of 2017 from RB Leipzig for around £50million, but it was agreed by both parties to keep the 23 year-old in Germany for another season.
The reports on Keita were glowing, as he looked to have the kind of energy and all-round ability that Liverpool's midfield quite often lacked in the critical moments.
Naturally, the expectation levels were very high when he finally arrived on Merseyside for the current season.
However as we have seen time and time again, adjusting to the Premier League does not happen overnight.
Keita started four of the first five league games and was solid in his performance.
Since then, niggling injuries and consistent performances from other midfielders, has seen Keita confined to a bit-part role, therefore lacking the kind of continuity he would have liked to start his Liverpool career.
Keita had to bide his time on the substitutes bench during the busy festive period, but Klopp said there was nothing sinister behind that decision.
He also had no doubt that the best of Keita is not far away.
Sky Sports reported Klopp as saying:
"No. That is sometimes how it is. I spoke to him. [With] Naby everything is fine. I am completely happy with him.
"Could he be a bit more confident in the games? Yes.
"Is he exactly the player in his best time at Leipzig? No, but he is still adapting - that is how it is"
Despite the slowish start, Keita has had his games where his potential has shone through, most recently against Burnley in early December where he was one of the standout players on the pitch.
Klopp said the injuries and a tactical change has not helped the midfielder.
"Everybody saw, not only at the beginning of the season, how brilliantly he played in the first part. Tottenham [away] was a fantastic game from him without thinking too much.
"Then we made a change around pre-[Manchester] City game. The boys have to deal with it and then a little injury here, little injury there.
"There was no reason - just because other boys were in good shape as well. It was a bit about positioning and system - that is how football decisions are
"It was kind of a little setback but he is a fantastic player and I am really happy to have him here. I am really looking forward to our common future.
"You see every day, wow, there is so much to come and so much influence he can have on each game. That's all good.
"There is really no doubt about the boy, he is an outstanding player."
The spotlight on Keita has shone a bit brighter of late due to the impressive recent form from fellow new signings Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri.
What Keita needs more than anything is minutes under his belt, and that is why the FA Cup has come round at the perfect time for a player in his position.
While it has been a difficult beginning to his Liverpool career, there is little doubt Keita will become a valuable player in the years ahead and as fans, we can look forward to seeing him grow.
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