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Liverpool news: Martin Keown singles out one star - He has ‘everything you need’
LIVERPOOL star Naby Keita has “everything you need” as a midfielder, claims Arsenal legend Martin Keown.
Liverpool: Naby Keita shows off impressive skills in training
Keita joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig this summer after agreeing to sign last year.
The Guinea international has had an impressive start to his Reds career, helping them win their opening two games against West Ham and Crystal Palace.
Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Brighton tonight, Keown was analysing Keita’s performance against Palace.
And he admits he has been seriously impressed by the 23-year-old’s early days on Merseyside.
The calmness that he has, and everything you need really as a midfield player
“Well the calmness that he has, and everything you need really as a midfield player,” Keown said on BT Sport.
“He just really is quality in possession.
“Look at the range of passing, the front three are really going to enjoy his service that he’s going to give them.
“It’s this area, Firmino comes off deep, Keita wants to get into that little pocket behind the opposition’s midfield.
“He really bursts forward. He looks incredibly impressive.
“Look at this for composure, (Andros) Townsend, he has to buy a ticket to get back in the ground there.
“Also he wants to pick a pass, he’s not satisfied with that.”
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has also been impressed with Keita's communication skills.
Liverpool fans create brilliant chant for Naby Keita
“A steady player would just pass it into (Andy) Robertson’s feet but no, he’s actually telling Robertson what he’s going to do next," Owen said.
"Bare in mind at Anfield, you can’t hear each other, there’s no communication.
"So the ball does all the talking and he’s basically told Robertson what he’s going to do by the weight of his pass there."