Naby’s dream of being Kop’s new Gerrard
KEITA WAS DESTINED TO WEAR THAT ICONIC JERSEY GRACED BY HIS ANFIELD HERO STEVIE G
NABY KEITA was always destined to be Liverpool’s No.8.
Long before he was presented with the iconic Liverpool shirt by its most celebrated wearer, Steven Gerrard, Keita dreamed as a kid in Guinea of being the Reds legend.
He had a Liverpool jersey growing up and always wanted to be Gerrard when he played with his mates in the streets of the capital Conakry.
Eight was also the number that his Liverpool-admiring dad, Sekou, wore during his amateur career in the West African country.
“Since I signed for Liverpool my dad has spoken to me a lot about how much he loved them,” said Keita.
“As a kid we used to play in the streets wearing Liverpool shirts. He had that love of Liverpool back then when I was 11 or 12.
“Eight is a number I’ve always liked. It’s also the number my dad wore when he played so it’s special to me. When we played, because I’m a midfielder and Steven Gerrard was always the boss of the team, I had to be him.
“I couldn’t be anyone else but Steven Gerrard when I played. I wanted to be like him, I guess.”
Gerrard handed over his No.8 shirt to Keita last summer when Liverpool announced he would be joining them this month in a £52.75million transfer from RB Leipzig.
Other players might feel the pressure of trying to follow such a legend but Keita doesn’t and he could not have appeared more relaxed as he sat chatting.
“I’m aware that it’s a big number here at Liverpool and I’m very excited to wear it,” said the midfielder and Guinea captain.
“I know it was Steven’s number but I’m not going to put any extra pressure on myself. It’s just a number and it’s not hugely important what you wear on your back.
“What I am focusing on is performing well for this club and contributing for this team.”
Being compared to a great like Gerrard is nothing new for Keita. His dad nicknamed him Deco, after the former Portugal player, because their styles are similar, while his favourite player as a kid – Kop idol Gerrard aside – was Barcelona playmaker Andres Iniesta.
Keita’s dad has guided him throughout his career and still rings to give him advice.
“My dad loved Deco as a player and called me Deco as a nickname around the house,” he said.
“My dad gave me a lot of advice from a young age. He was never fortunate enough to play professionally but he played at a decent amateur level in Guinea. He still calls to give me feedback about my performances.”
The tenacious Keita will bring bite to Liverpool’s midfield. He was sent off no fewer than four times last season, although he insists he is not reckless.
“I think I was unfortunate for some of those red cards and I never lost my discipline, but it is something I want to improve,” he said.
The 23-year-old has settled quickly at Anfield but knew what to expect after talking to Sadio Mane and Gerard Houllier.
He played with Mane (below) at Salzburg and also spoke to former Reds boss Houllier, who is Red Bull’s global football chief. Houllier spotted him playing in France with Ligue 2 side FC Istres before Salzburg signed him in 2014.
“Sadio is like a brother to me,” said Keita, who will be reunited with Mane on Liverpool’s US tour.
“We had nine months together at Salzburg and we built up a good relationship. We have been great friends since that time.
“Gerard Houllier brought me to Red Bull Salzburg and he came to watch me when I was playing in Ligue 2 in France.
“I bumped into him a few months ago at Marseille when I was there playing in the Europa League and he spoke to me about Liverpool.
“I also had good conversations with the manager and I knew I was joining a great club.
“Now I just want to help bring them success.”