Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dropped a big hint about Naby Keita starting in their Champions League semi-final second leg.
The 27-year-old midfielder scored the only goal of the game on Saturday as the Reds beat Newcastle in the Premier League.
As well as scoring the winner and playing a part in many of Liverpool’s key attacking moments, Keita won possession more times (9) than anyone else.
Admittedly, there was one scare involving the £130,000-a-week star at St James’ Park.
He was seen limping heavily in the second half after a knock to his ankle.
However, Keita ran it off and completed the full 90 minutes, much to Klopp’s delight.
“He’s outstanding”
The Guinea international has enjoyed a largely injury-free calendar year, and Klopp says he has never doubted his player’s quality.
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“The player was never in doubt, not for a second, because he’s outstanding,” he told the Liverpool media team ahead of the Villarreal trip.
“It’s good he is now available. It’s a good option, a very good option to have.
“Played at the weekend obviously a really good game, so we’ll see how long we will use him tomorrow. A very good option.”
Keita has sometimes struggled to hold down a place in the side following his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2018.
However, his display against Newcastle was just the latest in a run of impressive performances.
In the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City, he was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Keita also shone in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Benfica.
Liverpool team news ahead of Villarreal trip
Roberto Firmino is also among the travelling contingent to Spain for the second leg of the last-four clash.
However, the Brazilian is not ready for match action as he continues to recover from the foot injury he sustained in mid-April.
And Divock Origi has returned to team training after missing last weekend’s win over Newcastle due to illness.
Liverpool boast a 2-0 lead from the first leg at Anfield ahead of their crunch clash at El Madrigal.