We have had a roller coaster season without a doubt, with inconsistency being the major problem for the Reds this season. After being in the thick of the things until January, a steep downslide in form saw us fall out of the title race and the shortcomings this season have been obvious.

We have struggled in certain areas on the pitch, with the central defence being the most noteworthy weakness.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with a host of players and we’ve even been linked with a lot of defenders, with Virgil van Dijk being the most prominent one. Amidst the defensive struggles, the central midfield department has been found wanting as well and the failure from midfield to protect the defence thoroughly enough has cost the team.

It appears as though the club are looking to solve this issue, with Naby Keita being the name linked with Liverpool often. Now, the latest development in the news is that reliable journalist Paul Joyce of The Times (Subscription needed) has claimed that RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita is a top Liverpool target in the summer.

Joyce also referenced Southampton central defender Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool’s other ‘number one’ target, thereby reiterating the likelihood of the club spending big money to bring the pair to Anfield.

The Kop Times Verdict

Keita has been mighty influential for the German club and has been having an outstanding season. Keita has scored 8 goals and 8 assists in just 28 appearances. Considering that the guy is a central midfielder, the numbers are remarkable. He is versatile and can play anywhere across the midfield. However, he has been used as a box-to-box player this season and the results are there to be seen.

Liverpool have faced problems in central midfield of late, as Henderson and Lallana suffered injuries. Though Lallana is back in training now, Liverpool had to face struggles to cope with both the midfielders’ absence. The problem could worsen next season, as Champions League qualification still looks like a possibility. So it is important that we strengthen the team and the signing of Naby Keita would go a long way in solving Liverpool’s issues in the midfield.

Do you think Naby Keita would improve the current Liverpool squad?