Naby Keita has shown that he has the “quality” to be a success for Liverpool, according to Danny Mills.
The 24-year-old made his first Premier League start of the season in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, and rewarded Jurgen Klopp’s faith in him with a goal and an assist.
And speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Mills was eager to sing his praises.
He said: “It’s tough when you miss large chunks of the season, you’re not quite up to speed, it’s hard to get that match fitness, especially when you’ve missed all those games.
“He’s undoubtedly got the quality, they bought him a large fee in the first place, they know what he can do.
“He’s just got to keep working hard, take his opportunities and games like today certainly help that.”
OPINION
Keita was revelatory yesterday. It may have taken him an age to get his nod this season, but when he was given that opportunity, he seized with with both hands. With three shots, three key passes, a successful dribble, three tackles, two interceptions, and a match rating of 9.11, as per Whoscored, the Guinean was pretty much at the heart of everything positive about the Reds’ win over the Cherries. Injuries have not been kind to him this term, but based on yesterday’s showing, there is plenty to suggest that he has what it takes to kick on and become a key asset for the Reds from here on out. Given the exorbitant fee they paid for him, the club will no doubt be keen for him to start churning out these performances on a weekly basis. If he can, then it will be like a new signing for the Kop.
