Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp has delivered a stark warning about new signing Naby Keita, claiming there is “devilment” in the way the Guinea international plays.
The 23-year-old joined the Reds this summer for a fee of around £52million from RB Leipzig, and is set to be a key player for the club this season as they gun for a first Premier League title.
Redknapp has however issued a warning over Keita’s temperament, with the midfielder being sent off four times for Leipzig last season.
In a column for the Daily Mail, Redknapp said: “He’s a little powerhouse — an all-action hero in midfield. Keita has a great touch, will make goals and score them.
“There is also devilment in his play and that could get him in trouble. We saw that last season when he was sent off four times. When Manchester United visit Anfield in December, I’m sure they’ll use every trick in the book to try to wind him up!
“But if he keeps his cool, he can be such an important player.”
OPINION
Keita is set to be a huge asset for the Reds this season, but Redknapp is right in highlighting the shortcomings in his play. Keita does have a short fuse, and if rivals wind him up in the right way, then it could come back to bite Liverpool at several points in the campaign. Four red cards last season is a pretty poor record for the midfielder, and he will need to keep his emotions in check if he wants to really help the Reds towards that elusive Premier League title. However, focusing on the positives, Keita has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world in the coming years. The Guinean has everything: pace, power, skill, agility and composure. His passing is pinpoint, his shooting is dangerous, and his defensive work is unquestionable. If he manages to adapt to the Premier League fast enough, he could be the man to drive Liverpool’s title challenge. Hopefully he can maintain his discipline in the process.
