By now most Liverpool fans have heard the news......Liverpool have signed a long-time transfer target in Naby Keita. The signing though does not bring Keita to Liverpool until next summer, so he will remain with his current team for the season. Fans are probably also aware that Keita is a midfielder who plays for RB Leipzig in the German league. Outside of that though, not a lot is known on Keita but Liverpool fans will probably tune in with interest to any Leipzig games they can this season.
Keita is just 22, and short in stature at just 5'6". However, he is not short in skill nor in determination. In fact, he has let it be know that his goal is to be the world's best footballer.......a pretty lofty desire but you have to love the thinking.
Naby Keita combines an impressive amount of speed and stamina to his game. Though probably not quite as quick as future teammates Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, Keita does have pace to his game. In addition he also has tremendous creativity as well as natural athleticism.
Because Leipzig play a similar style to Klopp with high pressure, they require players who are fit and can cover ground. Keita checks these boxes which is one of many reasons why he will be a great fit in Klopp's system. Equally impressive is his ability to play on both ends of the pitch. His creativity and skill result in pundits discussing his offensive prowess but Keita is equally adept at defending. A true two-way player which is another need of Klopp's system.
Last season Naby Keita scored 8 times and added 7 assists in 31 games with Leipzig. He led the German league in ball recoveries and was second in completed dribbles. It will be exciting seeing this type of skill in the Premier League with Liverpool.
Liverpool fans may not know a lot about Naby Keita today, but they will quickly learn that he is an exciting playmaker who will be a welcomed addition to Anfield.