NAB FAB
Midfield dynamo Keita says he’s getting even better thanks to competition at Anfield
NABY KEITA believes competition in the Liverpool squad is already making him a better player.
The Reds midfielder, recovering from a thigh injury picked up while on international duty with Guinea earlier this month, is still settling into life at Anfield following his £52million move from RB Leipzig in the summer.
The box-to-box midfielder, a standout star in the Bundesliga, faces stiff competition for a starting spot on
Merseyside, with Gini Wijnaldum,
James Milner, Jordan Henderson,
Adam Lallana and Keita’s fellow summer signing Fabinho all showing good form.
But the international reckons the battle for Jurgen
Klopp’s nod will take him to the next level in the Premier League.
“I’m really happy to be able to play with them and I’m learning from their experience,” the 23-year-old said. “I’m training with them and trying to get better. I want to progress. I’m so lucky and happy to train with them. Whatever we want to achieve, I’ll achieve with them.”
Keita is enjoying life so far under Klopp (below) after arriving at Anfield a year on from Liverpool agreeing a deal with Leipzig.
He said: “It is really special to have him as a coach. He is not focusing on one player, he focuses on all of us. He cares and he looks after all of us. It’s a real pleasure to play for him.”
Xherdan Shaqiri, another Anfield new boy, has been backed to have a massive season by former Kop striker John Aldridge.
Aldridge said of the £13m summer signing from Stoke: “When he’s played over the last few games he hasn’t dropped below an eight out of 10.
He’s been absolutely excellent.
“Jurgen seems to have found a role for him to link the midfield and the attack.
“Shaqiri could be a massive player for us this season and his quality is great to watch.”