Jurgen Klopp has opened up on the form of Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita at Liverpool, with the duo having produced some impressive performances in recent weeks.
Thiago was excellent in the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City last weekend, before producing an outstanding showing in the 4-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday evening.
The Spain international has found his finest form of the season in recent weeks and completed 59 of his 60 passes in the first half against United at Anfield, in a display that saw Thiago exert control on the midfield.
Having received some criticism during a difficult adaptation at Liverpool last season, Thiago has become a key figure for the Reds this term and Klopp questioned those who doubted the midfielder was suited to his Liverpool side.
“People questioned if he suits us? Thank God these people don’t make decisions,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside Derby with Everton.
“If a player calms games down in moments, it’s just of course nothing we thought. Thiago wanted to join us and he knew how we play. He thinks a lot about football.”
Naby Keita has also enjoyed his best period of the season of late, impressing in wins over Benfica and Manchester City.
The Guinea international has struggled for consistent form and fitness for much of his time at Anfield, but Klopp is confident the midfielder can now maintain his ‘rhythm’.
“Naby was fit and Naby can get some rhythm it’s always good. He’s not been able to do that as much in the past, but now he can. In 2017 Keita and Thiago were best midfielders in Bundesliga – Keita we bought first, then Thiago.”
Klopp provided an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of the clash with Everton and confirmed Roberto Firmino is a chance to feature after missing the win over Manchester United on Tuesday.
“No other problems but Bobby is getting better and better. It’s painful so we have to make sure he is today on the pitch. Two days to go, so maybe he can be involved.”
