Why Liverpool Fans Should Get Excited About The Potential Arrival Of Naby Keita
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been busy since the end of the previous season as the German manager is desperate to add some much-needed quality to the first team, for the challenges next season. They have already signed a winger in Mohamed Salah and are now looking to solve their midfield problems by spending big on RB Leipzig star Naby Keita.
The 22-year old was linked with a move to Liverpool a month ago but in the last couple of days, rumours are flying around that Liverpool have agreed on terms with the player on a five-year deal, that will see him earn £130,000 a week, which is a significant rise on his current wage.
Some reports also suggest that he could be taking that iconic number 8 jersey, last worn by club legend Steven Gerrard. The Guinea international is growing into one of the best midfielders in Europe at the moment.
With a successful take on rate of 65.81%, Keita has made successful take-ons than any other midfielder in all over Europe and was a lynchpin for the Leipzig side’s incredible run in the Bundesliga. With incredible pace and unbelievable technique, Keita is a player hard to contain, even in close spaces and his work rate only makes him that much more effective.
With 8 goals and 8 assists to his name, Keita created 1.32 chances per game, averaging 1.10 key passes per game. With a passing accuracy of 81%, he has shown that he has what it takes to run the game in one of the toughest leagues in Europe and is surely ready for the next step.
He makes 2.56 interceptions per game, which is also among the best for midfielders in Europe and his addition is a chance to rejoice for Liverpool supporters, who might just see their club solve one of the glaring frailties in the squad in recent times.
Liverpool once had a midfield three of Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard. There were a number of players like Jonjo Shelvey, Stuart Downing and even Joe Allen, who failed to do justice to the role but Liverpool are finally ready to get someone who can shoulder the responsibilities with ease and can help improve the squad.
With Salah, Liverpool have added width to their attack. With Keita, they will add mettle to their midfield and if they can add a genuine left-back and a top class centre-back, they truly are a team headed for glory. Surely, these are exciting times up ahead for the Reds.