Grob: No.8 Keita is new Stevie G

NABY KEITA is the full midfield package and the ONLY player who could have taken Steven Gerrard’s iconic No.8 shirt.

That’s the opinion of Kop legend Bruce Grobbelaar, who reckons Keita (left) – signed in a £54million deal from RB Leipzig – can be even better than World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.

Grobbelaar said: “I honestly believe he is the only player who can take that No.8 jersey after Steven Gerrard – I think he’s the perfect player in that position.

“Stevie G was a brilliant player, who will always be remembered as a great servant and ambassador for the club.

“And Keita is the only person I would have given that shirt to try and emulate what Steven produced. He’s a beautiful player and I’ve already seen the signs that he’s going to have a major impact on Liverpool this season.

“Jurgen Klopp was very astute in seeing Keita’s ability and potential to develop. He got in fast, signed him and left him at Leipzig last season.

“I’m certain he’s going to blossom even more and fit into the side with ease. I’ve seen him in the pre-season games and he’s been absolutely brilliant. I liken him to Kante, who is a top player. But, with Kante, what you see is what you get. He will hunt you down and win the ball.

“With Keita, he will hunt you down, get the ball, then either get into the box or score.

“There’s no question he’s the complete package for me – and the perfect person to wear that jersey after Stevie G.”