Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel says Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate have had 'big problems' since they arrived at Anfield. The German international insists a number of players struggled after they left RB Leipzig.
Keita joined the Reds in the summer of 2018 but is yet to nail down a regular starting spot under manager Jurgen Klopp, largely down to difficulty with injuries. However, the Guinea international has still made 100 appearances in all competitions in a little under four years with the club.
Amid a defensive injury crisis last season, Konate was identified as the ideal solution and was signed for £36m in the summer. He may have Joel Matip to contend with to partner Virgil van Dijk, but the Frenchman has impressed when called upon this term.
BLOOD RED: Liverpool given last thing they need as Man City get lucky break Pep Guardiola wanted
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp handed impossible Liverpool decision as uncomfortable Man City truth emerges
Babbel, though, says it's no surprise the pair have struggled since they left Germany as Leipzig have 'their own style of play'. He also picked out Dayot Upamecano and Marcel Sabitzer as other players that have struggled for form away from the Red Bull Arena.
When asked why this was the case, he told Sky in Germany : “It’s really amazing when you look at the recent transfers from RB Leipzig. Whether it was a Keita or a Konate to Liverpool, both have big problems there. And now also Upamecano.
“With Marcel Sabitzer, you could think that the Sabitzer in Munich is a twin brother of the Sabitzer in Leipzig. Sometimes you think he’s never played football. These guys all find it very difficult when they leave Leipzig because they have their own style of play there.”
Keita is under contract at Anfield until 2023, but Klopp insisted 'everything is fine' regarding the midfielder's future. The Liverpool boss said last week : "Naby’s future will be great. I know that because of the player he is.
"I heard if Naby plays tomorrow it will be game 100, it is an impressive number but it could have been more because he is sometimes injured. When he looks back at how he played he is an exceptional footballer, that is why we brought him in the first place."
