Former Irish defender Kenny Cunningham is of the opinion that Liverpool’s potential summer arrival Naby Keita will be a better midfielder than Emre Can. Cunningham told Irish radio station Newstalk (h/t The Sport Review),

“It’s always been an area where Liverpool needed to focus on. The balance has never been right in the central area of the pitch. I’m not a fan of Emre Can.

“I don’t think he is the greatest athlete. He doesn’t have the defensive mindset for me. The quicker Keita comes in the better.

“Even Keita is more of an all action, box to box midfielder. He will help to give them some more physical presence.”

The Reds secured a deal worth £48million for the RB Leipzig midfielder last summer and although he was expected to arrive early in January, the move did not materialise. With increasing rumours suggesting Can’s departure from Anfield to join Juventus, I have been eagerly waiting for Keita’s arrival. Cunningham’s recent statements about the same only increase my excitement!

Keita certainly is more of an all-rounder and he can act as an effective link between the attack and the defence. Although he has not had the best of times this campaign, we all know what he is capable of. On a good day, Keita can burst on to the scene and pull the strings in the middle of the park to create multiple opportunities as well as shield the defence. In fact, he has often displayed superior maturity to understand when to do what and that awareness is something Can has often lacked.

So I agree with what Cunningham has said and I honestly cannot wait for Keita to step out in a Liverpool jersey – even if Can’s exit does not materialise.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Keita is good enough to replace Can?