The Reds legend thinks the two midfield summer signings have not lived up to the club’s expectations.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby has claimed that the Reds’ midfield has not “lived up to our expectations” this season.
The Merseyside giants invested heavily in bringing a number of midfielders to Anfield in the summer, with Naby Keita, Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri now on the club’s books.
At first glance it would seem like Jurgen Klopp’s fusion of new signings with the already established squad players has reaped dividends.
The Reds will go into next weekend top of the Premier League table thanks to their 4-0 win at Bournemouth, combined with Manchester City’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea.
However, the Dane – who made 239 appearances for Liverpool between 1984 and 1996 (Transfermarkt) – has criticised some of these new recruits.
Molby believes the team’s attacking players have not received good enough service from the midfield and has singled out two players for criticism.
“The club invested heavily in midfield to give us more options but Naby Keita and Fabinho have not lived up to our expectations,” the 55-year-old is quoted by the Sunday Post as saying.
“It’s a bit unfair as maybe they need time, but the truth remains for Liverpool to have continued upward progression from last season, these two should have done more.”
Molby then explained why he feels the two players have flattered to deceive thus far, highlighting two rival clubs which he feels have solid linking players in midfield.
“The forwards have been isolated a bit this season,” he continued. “You look at where Manchester City go. They get David Silva to involve the forwards and Spurs have Christian Eriksen.
“The plan has been for Keita or Xherdan Shaqiri to do that, but it has not quite come off.”
Liverpool have a difficult week ahead of them as they face a crunch Champions League decider against Napoli in midweek and Manchester United on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
