Naby Keita outlines double Liverpool target as…

Naby Keita outlines double Liverpool target as contract decision awaited

Naby Keita has set himself the double target of more games and more goals this season as Liverpool continue to explore a new deal for the midfielder.

Keita has entered the final year of his contract with the Reds keen to reach an agreement to extend an Anfield stay that began with his £52.75million arrival from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2018.

The 27-year-old made 40 appearances last term - his most in a single campaign with Liverpool - while matching his best returns of four goals and three assists as Jurgen Klopp's side came close to an unprecedented quadruple.

Keita impressed during his two outings in the Far East tour against Manchester United and Crystal Palace and can expect further minutes when Liverpool take on his old club Leipzig in Germany on Thursday evening.

And looking to the new campaign, the Guinea international said: "Every season I set myself targets to try to compare and compete with what I have done in the previous season. I always try to improve and achieve even more. Right from when I first started playing football, I have always been like that.

"Last season went pretty well, I played in a lot of games, which we won. This season I would like to do the same again and play in every game I can. More than anything else, it’s just to help the team out and maybe get on the scoresheet more frequently."

Liverpool take on Leipzig in the Red Bull Arena on Thursday evening (kick-off 6.15pm) before jetting to Austria for a week-long training camp. They will also face Red Bull Salzburg next Wednesday.

“I’ll be really happy to go back to see my old team-mates and my old club," said Keita. "It’s a young team that plays football the right way and in a good spirit. So, I think it’s going to be a great game.

“From time to time you do come up against different playing styles and tactics, Leipzig are the sort of team that likes to press high, like we do. They don’t like to let the opposition team play and have the ball."

Keita, speaking to liverpoolfc.com, added: "In the first game I played 30 minutes and in the next game I played 30 minutes. I think that in the game against RB Leipzig I’ll get the same, or maybe a few minutes more, but to be honest with you we’re just starting on the road to full match fitness.

"But you know it is not easy because it is right at the start of the season, you know you have to come back little by little in stages. I’m absolutely sure these two forthcoming games are going to help us a lot."

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