Naby Keita was Liverpool's match-winner against Newcastle United on Saturday as the Reds picked up a 1-0 victory to keep the pace with Man City in the Premier League title-race.
The Guinean has been in impressive form this season and has stayed relatively injury-free as Jurgen Klopp's side chase an unprecedented quadruple, with the German's management of his midfield options no doubt aiding the 27-year-old as he looks to prove his worth at Anfield once and for all.
A £52.75m signing from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2018, Keita has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, European Super Cup and League Cup during his time with the Reds, and will be hoping to add to that tally in the weeks ahead. However, his time on Merseyside has been plagued by recurring injury problems and inconsistent form, with even the midfielder himself admitting Kopites are yet to witness the real Naby Keita.
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Like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the Guinean is out of contract next summer and his future at Anfield remains the subject of speculation despite Klopp previously admitting he wants the midfielder to stay.
Continuing to divide opinions in the Liverpool fanbase, our writers Theo Squires and Sam Carroll have their say regarding Keita's future...
Theo: It might have taken four years but Liverpool are finally getting the best out of Naby Keita on a consistent basis, with the Guinean, touch wood, putting those pesky injury problems of the past behind him. His outing against Newcastle was his 33rd of the season, matching his best Reds total from his first season at Anfield. With a potential seven games left to play, he'll surely record a new high.
With Liverpool chasing this quadruple, Klopp has often looked to rotate between Henderson and Keita in recent weeks and is really starting to reap the benefits. Both have had injury problems in the past but they have remained available and are on form whenever they take to the pitch, stepping up when their side need them most.
On his day, Keita is unplayable. His performance in the 5-0 win at Old Trafford was undoubtedly one of Liverpool's best individual showings of the season and he has certainly managed to silence a few of his doubters with displays like that.
His talent has never been in question, just his availability and consistency. With the two going hand-in-hand, as a fully fit and available Keita delivers his most-consistent season on Merseyside, it would be a surprise if he isn't handed a new contract. He's showing he deserves one, for sure.
Klopp has seen the benefit of having a larger squad this season with this added strength-in-depth being a key factor in Liverpool's successful season. And the Guinean is right at the heart of that. And still only 27, he has plenty left to contribute at Anfield.
Out of contract next summer, his Reds story can't end now just as he's showcasing his best form and why Liverpool signed him in the first place. He'll certainly be needed if Klopp's men are to keep challenging for multiple honours and on current evidence, there is no doubt that he deserves an extension.
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Sam: Liverpool are the shining example of recruitment across European football but Naby Keita is an unusual basket case under Jurgen Klopp.
As Theo suggests, it has taken four years for Keita to show his abilities on a consistent basis but Liverpool and FSG could have their arm forced by a rival bid this summer.
If it is up to Klopp, the midfielder may well end up agreeing new terms but at 27, Liverpool would be foolish not to cash in on a player who could still command at least £20m with just 12 months remaining on his deal.
Klopp and Julian Ward are set to revamp the midfield over the next several transfer windows - James Milner, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are all the wrong side of 30 - and money raised by the potential sale of Keita would free up funds.
But it is a difficult situation. Keita is showing why Liverpool were so desperate for his signature back in 2017 they waited an extra 12 months for him to arrive from RB Leipzig but it feels like too little, too late.
There is definitely a younger, more consistent and less injury-prone option available who can aid Liverpool and their trophy push over the next four years of Klopp.
Yet if an offer is not forthcoming in the summer and Keita is handed fresh terms, his current form lays the foundations to cement a long-term place in a special side.
Who do you agree with? Give us your opinion in the comment section.
