Jurgen Klopp names the Liverpool star having his ‘best season’ ahead of Newcastle United clash

Quadruple-chasing Liverpool head to St James’ Park to take on the Premier League’s other form team, Newcastle United, on Saturday.

And Jurgen Klopp, fresh from his side’s 2-0 Champions League semi-final win over Villarreal and Unai Emery, has named the player who he thinks is having his best season for the Reds, in what could prove to be an unprecedented campaign.

“He has his best season because he is fit for the longest period,” Klopp said of midfielder Naby Keita.

“That is good for us, good for him, good for Guinea, eh?

“He is an outstanding player. That is clear. He played for us in other seasons, where he was not consistently fit, where he played incredible games.

“If you go back and watch our big games you will see how often Naby was on the pitch.

“Tonight was a very good moment for us.”

Jose Enrique on what Liverpool MUST do

Meanwhile, former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique believes the Reds should get goalscorer Sadio Mane tied down to a new deal after his 20-goal season exploits.

The Senegalese forward’s current deal at Anfield runs out in the summer of 2023.

And speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "Sadio sometimes doesn’t seem happy because I think everyone just focuses at the moment on Salah, Salah, Salah and his contract.

"Sadio Mane is actually in the same situation as Salah. He has one year left.

"I believe he is showing up every single week and playing as a striker which is one position he is not used to. For a few weeks he has scored every single week, he is performing really well, assisting as well.

"He is a player that I believe Liverpool should focus on renewing his contract as soon as the season finishes and someone that still brings a lot to the team in whatever position he plays. He is still a world-class player."

How the match played out

The Reds have one foot in the Champions League final after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Unai Emery’s Villareal.

Taking a defensive approach, one which would not have gone down too well at St James’ Park had got the job as expected, Emery’s side were dominated and dismantled by Klopp & Co as former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson’s deflected effort put them 1-0 up.

Sadio Mane netted his 20th goal of the season to ensure the first leg spoils were claimed by Liverpool, who are now overwhelming favourites to make it to the 10th European Cup final in their history.

Sadio Mane of Liverpool scores their team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final Leg One match between Liverpool and Villarreal at Anfield on April 27, 2022 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)