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Liverpool news: Fabinho and Naby Keita sent message after January transfer claim
LIVERPOOL stars Fabinho and Naby Keita must step up if Jurgen Klopp decides to not spend in January, Reds hero John Aldridge claims.
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Both Fabinho and Keita have impressed in spells under Klopp this season following moves to Anfield in the summer.
However, neither of the midfielders have cemented a starting spot at Liverpool, despite their hefty price tags.
It remains to be seen whether Klopp is ready to splash the cash in the January transfer window to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
And Aldridge says Fabinho and Keita must prove their worth in the New Year if Klopp opts to not spend.
We need Fabinho to settle down and keep improving in the second half of the season
“Klopp has said he doesn't intend to add to the squad in January,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo.
“If that proves to be right then we need those who have been on the fringes so far to step up.
“We need Fabinho to settle down and keep improving in the second half of the season.
“We also need Naby Keita to show what a good player he can be because we've only seen flashes of what he can do so far.
“The same goes for the likes of Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge, who have found their opportunities limited.
“You need game changers who can come off the bench when things aren't going right and make an impact.
“If we don't buy in January then we need to trust Klopp's judgement.
“He knows what he's doing.”
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Fabinho, who joined Liverpool from Monaco in the summer for £43m, has started just four games in all competitions under Klopp.
Keita has struggled with injures, with the Guinea international currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The Reds are back in action this weekend, with Klopp’s men facing Watford in the Premier League.