Virgil van Dijk blown away by ‘outstanding’ Liverpool teammate

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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has told the club’s official website that he’s been blown away by Naby Keita since the restart.

The Guinean has struggled with a few niggling injuries once again during 2019/20. Keita played in 27 games but started just nine in the Premier League.

Since the restart, however, the midfielder enjoyed some good performances, scoring against Chelsea and claiming assists against Aston Villa and Brighton.

Despite an inconsistent campaign, Van Dijk believes the 25-year-old is ‘world-class’.

He told the club’s official website: “Naby is a fantastic guy, he works so hard and he is an outstanding football player. We see it week in and week out. He has unfortunately been unlucky with injuries, but hopefully, he can stay fully fit for the next season.

“I think he’s world-class if I’m absolutely honest. I see all the moment when he has the ball, the smart moves, the smart intelligence. It’s just incredible and I’m very happy for him.”

Keita will hope to play a bigger part under Jurgen Klopp next season as Liverpool look to defend their title.

The Guinea captain has played 34 times for his country but in recent years his club football has taken a dip.

Following his £48 million arrival from Red Bull Leipzig, he was expected to take the top-flight by storm.

Things haven’t worked out in such fashion but next season might be a big one for Keita, following his sparkling performance since the restart.

Keita earns £120,000-a-week at Anfield and some of the club’s supporters see the jury as being out on the midfielder.

Next season he will hope to show all Liverpool fans exactly what he is capable of, during a more consistent run in Klopp’s team.