The YouTube clip lasts for just 45 seconds. It is from a game in March 2018 when RB Leipzig hosted Bayern Munich and its star is Naby Keita.
You wouldn’t be able to boil a kettle in the time it takes to watch from beginning to end but in those 45 seconds, Liverpool fans were given a glimpse of what Keita – who had been signed the previous August for £52.5million – could potentially bring to their team.
First there is a goal, swept in with his left foot after a surge into the area, that gives RB Leipzig parity; then comes a pass, perfectly delivered into the path of Timo Werner, which secures the winning goal and ensured Keita was on the end of a thunderous ovation.
It is not unfair to say that Keita has not produced anything so dynamic since he arrived on Merseyside. There have been injuries, confidence issues and a lack of rhythm as he has tried to acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League.
Keita has, however, improved over the course of the last month and his reward was a fifth consecutive start, this one coming against a familiar rival; what Jurgen Klopp would have done for the Guinea international to reproduce those heroics in Anfield’s biggest game of the season.
He was substituted early but it was not a performance reflective of a player who was lost in the frenzy. Keita was in the thick of the action from the outset and with the benefit of a kinder bounce here or there, could have left the field a hero.
There is no doubt the 24-year-old remains a work in progress but he was always involved, starting in the 16th minute when he helped the ball along to Sadio Mane but saw the Senegal flyer crash his drive into the advertising hoardings.
A thunderous tackle from the hulking Niklas Sule blocked his way to goal in the 33rd minute and there was another pass in the 53rd minute that was a fraction away from being perfect for Andrew Robertson, as he charged towards goal.
The talent is evidently there. Keita just needs a big moment in a big game to really take off.
fucabdmosy
0
Good article I believe Keita will eventually make the break thru.
Mahmud19
1
How he gets to play not Shaqiri?
Zidpsu
2
His dribbling and take-ons are second to none. there were several times in the game that he made excellent take-ons only to see that his pass was misplaced. He needs to improve that area and his movement off the ball which is annoying. some times he tries to pass while standing that he can't give the ball the nececsasary force to move. the talent is there but he seems lazy somehow.
Savannah
0
50m for an attacking Midfielder who doesn't score goals or assist other. Ouch !
hunting
0
Didnt this reporter say something completely different a couple of months ago about this player. Seriously stand by what you say or at least state you messed up.
wikipedia
1
Keita had a good game clean sheet massive tonight
Justinbra
0
Going to be a huge player for Liverpool.
Movidas
0
Keita will be just fine under Klopp. He hasn't quite got to grips with the physical side of the game as yet, but going forward he has shown glimpses of how good he can be. I still think the player the Scousers have missed the most is the Ox. He was the perfect replacement for Coutinho with more power and pace.
reallybaby
0
Naby Keita against pogba, Sunday will be a very good day.
Geoffles
3
Good first touch , good dribbling, but needs to release the ball earlier !
Elsamek
0
He played well tonight
Humphreyes
4
Keita was one of the best players on the pitch, anyone who watched the game would know. Worked his socks off and gave Liverpool the drive from midfield.
desekmsty
1
Liverpool best midfel
rosbcltz
1
one of the most outstanding player for Liverpool FC this 2nd quarter of the season..#YouNeverWalkAlone ✌
Maedelpt
0
yaah coke head the man play damn good tonight
coke head😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
Mkuya
1
Good player, who really needs the confidence from the coach and team mate, well done for today's game.
Ranadkp
0
Has to start vs man u
Liabderz
1
a very good player kieta, will produce n help Liverpool
Tanjay
1
Keita was good tonight manged d midfield well imdiately he and firmino left the game turned around
he was a beast tonight
Tanjay
0
waste of money
yaah coke head the man play damn good tonight
Payabcms
0
waste of money
if you say that then I think you have didn't watch the game
johnfulpower
1
Keita was good tonight manged d midfield well imdiately he and firmino left the game turned around
ribiost
1
very good player
Godwinwhizee77
0
The second leg will be us who the true red is
Senadopsuy
0
waste of money