Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has branded Naby Keita as ‘not good enough’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The 48-year-old, who was part of the team that lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2005, also criticised the Reds as a defensive unit following the narrow victory over Atletico Madrid.
Keita doubled the lead in Madrid but was subsequently replaced at half-time having played a part in the build-up to both Antoine Griezmann goals.
Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast (Wednesday, October 20), Hamann was critical of the 26-year-old Guinean.
I’ve got to say, I think Keita was at fault for both goals. I know he’s had some injuries, but I don’t think he’s good enough for Liverpool. If you score a goal like he did, you should be full of confidence, you have to do your defensive duties and I get the feeling he just wants to play with the ball and when Liverpool have got possession. You just can’t do that and he’s not good enough to do that.
Hamann went on to say it was ‘too easy’ to beat Keita before claiming Liverpool were ‘pretty average’ as a defensive unit and had Alisson Becker to thank for the most part.
So far this season the man signed from RB Leipzig has scored twice in eight appearances across all competitions.
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Keita could certainly have done better leading up to both Atletico goals, but it’s unfair to use the Guinean as the overall scapegoat.
Ultimately the Reds were found wanting all too often in the Wanda Metropolitano and in truth any of the there midfielders could’ve been sacrificed for Fabinho at half-time.
Attention will now turn to the clash with arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday and whether or not Keita will retain a spot in the starting lineup.
