In a recent tweet, Guinean journalist Amadou Makadji has revealed that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has tested positive for COVID-19 while on international duty with the Guinean national team. If the report is accurate, then the Reds playmaker could be ruled out of the Merseyside derby against Everton in the Premier League this weekend.
Naby Keita and four other guinean players have been tested positive to coronavirus with Syli National. More to come on @FOOT_224
— Thierno Amadou Makadji (@ThAmadouMakadji) October 11, 2020
Keita’s Importance In The Liverpool Midfield
Keita has been one of the most penetrative midfielders in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield so far this season. Therefore, his potential absence could prove to be a bitter pill to swallow for the Merseyside outfit ahead of their crucial upcoming derby versus the Toffees.
The Guinean international has made six appearances for the Reds this term but is yet to score or assist a goal. However, he has managed to contribute at both ends of the field after he averaged 0.5 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.5 clearances, 1.3 shots and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season. He has also been exceptionally accurate with his ball-distribution as evident from his pass completion rate of 92.6% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
With Thiago Alcantara, Sadio Mane, Alisson Becker and now, Naby Keita all missing in action at the moment, Klopp will have a selection headache when naming his team for the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon. The Reds suffered an unexpected 7-2 defeat against Aston Villa before the international break which has put them three points behind their Merseyside rivals in the league table. Hence, the reigning champions of England cannot afford to lose any points when the two sides face off at Goodison Park this weekend.
What Does The Guinean International Bring To The Table?
Keita is a deceptively quick midfielder who is an excellent dribbler with the ball from midfield. He loves to make some driving runs in the opposition half and is usually quite tidy when interchanging possession at the centre of the park.
The Guinean talent has also proven his worth as a decent creator of goals-scoring opportunities but needs to be more productive in the final third if he wants to live up to the hype surrounding his move to Anfield two years ago.
Keita Could Be Ruled Out Of The Everton Clash: Massive Blow For The Reds?
Missing someone of Keita’s attacking potential will be a big blow for the Merseyside giants ahead of what could be an early season-defining clash at Goodison Park. However, the Reds have got enough depth to cope with his absence.
Klopp will probably name a strong midfield comprised of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in the derby with Curtis Jones playing as a back-up on the bench. Even though losing Keita will feel like a massive blow, yet it is still far from a crisis as long as Liverpool do not lose any more of their first-team stars during this international break.
