Ever since Naby Keita finalised his transfer from RB Leipzig to Liverpool, the fans of the Merseyside club have been blessed with glimpses of how good he can be on the pitch. The former Bundesliga talent has taken the Premier League by storm after having a major influence in both of the Reds’ league matches so far. He has pulled the strings from midfield wearing Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard’s iconic number 8 jersey and comparisons have already been made on whether he can justify all the high expectations surrounding his arrival at Anfield.
Is He GoNaby A Good Signing?
It is pretty hard to judge a player based on just two games for his new club. However, if we look into his record at the Austrian Bundesliga and the German Bundesliga for both RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig respectively, it is quite impressive. His goal-scoring and creativity from midfield are second to none while Keita also does his defensive duties quite well. Since making a switch to the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, the Guinean international has thrived with every opportunity and has scored 17 goals and grabbed 15 assists after making a total of 71 appearances for the German outfit.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was so impressed by his dazzling displays in the German top-flight that he agreed on a fee for his transfer last year and was willing to wait for a whole season to bring him to Anfield this summer. For now, it seems like Keita can be a fantastic acquisition for the Reds if he can cope with the high expectations that come along with wearing the famous Red jersey of Liverpool.
Similarities with Steven Gerrard
Much like the former Liverpool captain, Keita is an all-round midfielder and can be effective at both ends of the pitch. He is a complete package in midfield which is why Klopp was so eager to acquire his services. The Guinean is quite pacy, can dribble with the ball, create opportunities for others while also chipping in with a few goals by himself.
His smart turn and a fantastic long ball to let Mohamed Salah through in goal against Crystal Palace sum up what Liverpool supporters can expect from him. Keita is a match-winner just like Gerrard, and he even has had the confidence to ask for the famous number 8 jersey upon his arrival at Anfield. The early signs are promising, and at the mere of 23, we are yet to see the best out of him.
Can The Guinean Sensation Fill Gerrard’s Shoes At Anfield?
It seems like he would have as good of a chance as anyone else before him to do so. Keita would also bring a lot more to the club as long as Klopp can get the most out of him in the coming years. Watch out, Premier League! Liverpool might have another legend in the making!
