Why Naby Keita could become the new cult hero at Liverpool
Liverpool enjoyed a superb win against West Ham United in their opening game of the season. The Reds ran riot at Anfield as Liverpool scored four past the Hammers without any response.
Liverpool’s front three were once again too hot to handle as they dazzled in front of goal. A Mohamed Salah opener, followed by a Sadio Mane brace, ensured all three points for the Reds.
Daniel Sturridge added a fourth goal to put the icing on the cake and conclude a fruitful evening for the club. Almost all of Liverpool’s players turned up on the day and Jurgen Klopp must be inspired by the performance. However, one player that particularly caught the eye was debutant Naby Keita.
The Guinean, who moved to Liverpool for a fee of £52.75million, was simply exciting throughout the game and not once did he look out of place. Keita covered every inch of grass on the field with his relentless running on and off the ball. Liverpool’s new No.8 has seamlessly transitioned himself into the squad, proving to be a perfect fit for Klopp’s high-intensity pressing game.
Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing football is one of the most demanding arts in the game. It requires the players to collectively press their opposition everytime they see an opening. But with Keita’s performance on Saturday, there’s no denying that Liverpool now possess a new cult hero at the club.
With an impressive work rate and ethic, Keita was excellent defensively and played a huge role almost all of the Reds’ goals. It was the Guinean who slid the ball into Andy Robertson’s path before the Scotsman teed Salah in for the first goal.
That ball was a pure example of Keita’s role in the team. The midfielder should strive to carry the ball from deeper areas in the midfield and slot it into the final third – which is exactly what he did. Keita was involved in Liverpool’s second goal as well, winning the ball back in the midfield and crossing it to Salah, who scored like a dream.
Liverpool’s new No.8 plays a subtle but powerful role, one that can be likened to Chelsea’s midfield enforcer N’Golo Kante. The Guinean is a neat passer as well, averaging a pass success rate of 88% on his Premier League debut. He’s a tough-tackling midfielder who is hard to get past. The 23-year-old also possesses a mean attitude on the field, providing him with the determination to drive forward and win loose balls.
As Liverpool progress further, Keita could prove to be the new engine in this squad. He has already lived up to all the expectations right from day one and from here, things can only get better.
