Steve McManaman names the Liverpool player he hopes will ‘really impress’ this season

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Liverpool icon Steve McManaman says he wants to see Reds midfielder Naby Keita “really impress” this season.

The 26-year-old joined Liverpool in 2018 to much fanfare, arriving from RB Leipzig in a £52.75m deal.

Keita has been compared to some top players over the years, including Andres Iniesta and N’Golo Kante.

However, Keita hasn’t had the best of times at Anfield amid injuries and loss of form.

The Guinea international has made 79 competitive appearances for Liverpool, with just seven Premier League starts last term.

He was linked with a move away over the summer transfer window as well.

With Keita’s contract expiring in 2023, this season is very much a make-or-break one for the big-money signing.

That said, he has begun the 2021-22 campaign well, making three Premier League appearances and starting two games.

And McManaman hopes Keita can shine for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

“In terms of improvement, I’d like to see a big year from Naby Keita, you know, who came in with a big, big price tag,” he told FourFourTwo.

“I’d like him to stay fit and really impress this year.”

Liverpool are next in action on Wednesday night when they host AC Milan at Anfield in the Champions League.

The Reds then host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.