Danny Higginbotham claimed that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita had already shattered people’s preconceptions about what he would add to Jurgen Klopp’s side following his display against West Ham.
The Sky Sports pundit shared that many people probably expected the 23-year-old, whose contract sees him earn £120,000-a-week at Anfield (Source: Spotrac), to be deployed as a defensive midfielder and not aid the Reds’ attacking threat.
Higginbotham explained that Keita wasn’t just in the Reds’ midfield too improve it defensively but that his outstanding performance during the 4-0 win over the Hammers showed how he would increase his side’s goal threat.
“It’s brilliant watching him (Keita) because I think the perception people had of him, y’know you can see his passing accuracy is fantastic and passes of final third as well, as I think a lot of people looked at Keita and thought he’s a defensive midfielder,” stated the pundit on Sky Sports News (Thursday August 16, 11:24)
“He’s not, he’s anything but that, he looks to get forward and he is a real threat.
“Without doubt (he’ll have a big season) I think a few clips here (against West Ham) Firmino who near enough plays as a false number nine drifts out then Keita comes into a very good space and then he once again used his versatility, when Firmino was off the pitch, and he has gone as a centre-forward.
“Where Keita comes into his own, cause of opposition defence (West Ham) is so far back, there’s no space in behind so Keita is very good at getting into attacking areas.
“100% (will he add to the attack) he’s going to bring more attack than the defensive side as what he does is gives them another dynamic, I think he is an outstanding signing.”
OPINION
Higginbotham went on to consistently insist during his analysis of Keita that the powerful midfielder’s presence would see Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have more space to launch successful attacks themselves. This is an exciting prospect and it’s hard to argue with Higginbotham’s verdict on Keita’s potential influence following his display against the Hammers. The 23-year-old seemed to cover a lot of ground during the game and kept popping up all over the pitch in order to expose the space that Manuel Pellegrini’s side were constantly leaving. While Keita will no doubt have games in the Premier League this season where his defensive duties will cause him to have to play deeper, but when he is able to assist the attack it’s going to be a thing of beauty. The 23-year-old clearly knows how to use his sublime passing ability to create opportunities for his side and based off his display against the Hammers, he will be a key player this season who lives up to the hype.
