Naby Keita on the Premier League: “I’m very motivated to play here”

Liverpool new boy Naby Keita is keen to prove that he’s ready for the rigours of the Premier League after impressing in his opening games.

Our new Number 8 has made four appearances in the campaign so far, starting against West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton before making a substitute appearance against Leicester.

His performances have drawn plaudits from across the footballing community, with many highlighting his dynamism and effortlessness on the ball as key strengths to his game.

The 23-year-old knows, however, that the English league is markedly different to those he’s played in thus far.

“I think it’s fair to say that the Premier League is a tough league,” said Keita in the official Liverpool FC magazine.

“I’m very motivated to be playing in it – it’s an attractive proposition – but I’ve been told by many people that a lot of overseas players come into the Premier League and they take time to integrate, depending on the circumstances.

“So playing in the Premier League can be difficult, but I am very motivated to play here, not just for myself and my teammates, but for the club.

“Everybody around me has been very supportive towards me so I am certainly giving everything I can to get settled into the team quickly.”

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BURY, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Naby Keita of Liverpool reacts during a pre-season friendly match between Bury and Liverpool at Gigg Lane on July 14, 2018 in Bury, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

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Keita came into a midfield already boasting Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum that was supplemented further with the summer addition of Fabinho from Monaco – the Guinean international knows that competition for a starting spot is fierce.

“Competition for places in midfield is something that can only help the team,” he said.

“Obviously the coach will go ahead and make his choices and I am sure he will choose the best players at the time for each match as they come along. That way, everybody gives their best throughout the season and I think it also gets the best out of everybody.”

Despite making a strong start, Keita remains eager to improve and score as many goals as he can this season.

“First and foremost, I should say that I’m very much a team player and I always think about the team first,” he said.

“The Premier League is different to other leagues where I have played and everybody knows it is very tough, but I will do my best to beat my own personal records.

“I’m the kind of person who thinks that if I score eight goals in one season my objective must be to score nine goals in the following season. That’s the kind of mentality I have.”

All eyes will be on our Number 8 if Jurgen Klopp chooses to hand him a starting berth against Spurs on Saturday.

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Source: anfieldhq.com