Steve Nicol says Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been an utter disappointment at the club

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has weighed in on the future of Naby Keita, who is set to leave the club later this year. The former player has been critical of Keita’s performances during his time at the club, stating that the midfielder has been an absolute wash and isn’t good enough to play for Liverpool.

Nicol believes that Keita’s injury issues have been a major factor in his underwhelming performances for Liverpool. The midfielder has struggled to stay fit for extended periods, which has hindered his progress and development at the club. Despite his potential, Keita has failed to live up to expectations, which has led to his eventual departure from Anfield.

The Liverpool legend went on to suggest that Klopp has had other options in midfield instead of playing Keita, which has only added to the midfielder’s underwhelming performances. Nicol believes that the manager was forced to play Keita due to a lack of other options in midfield, which has not helped the midfielder’s development.

Steve Nicol says Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been an utter disappointment at the club. — Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita set for an exit this summer. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Nicol is not alone in his assessment of Keita’s time at Liverpool. Many fans and pundits alike have remained disappointed with the midfielder’s performances since his arrival at the club. While injuries have certainly played a role in his struggles, Keita has failed to make the impact that many had hoped for when he signed for the club. Here is what Nicol said while speaking on ESPN:

“I think previously, he’s had good options, or options that he thought would be better. Someone like Keita for example who has been an absolute wash. But up until this year where it’s been like ‘this guy isn’t good enough’, he’s always had other options rather than playing Trent in the middle of the park,”

Keita isn’t good enough for the Reds

Despite his underwhelming performances, Keita still has a few months left at the club, and Klopp will be hoping that the midfielder can finally show his true potential in the coming months. With Liverpool’s season hanging in the balance, Keita will have a chance to contribute to the team’s push for a top-four finish.

However, given his injury history and underwhelming performances, it is unclear if Keita will be able to turn things around in time for the end of the season. Klopp will need to carefully consider his options in midfield and decide whether to give Keita another chance or look elsewhere for a solution.

In any case, Keita’s departure from Liverpool later this year appears to be inevitable. The midfielder will need to find a new home where he can finally realise his potential and live up to the expectations that many had for him when he arrived at Anfield.

Overall, Nicol’s comments on Keita highlight the midfielder’s underwhelming performances during his time at Liverpool. While injuries have certainly played a role in his struggles, Keita has failed to make the impact that many had hoped for when he signed for the club.