Didi Hamann told Michael Owen that Naby Keita was an attacking midfielder ready to take the Premier League by storm.
Owen explained the conversation last night on BT Sport [Mirror], following Keita’s second Man of the Match display in two days.
The Guinean was phenomenal against Bournemouth, scoring a goal and registering an assist – and bagged another v Rb Salzburg last night.
“I remember speaking to Didi Hamann about this guy when he was at Leipzig and he was saying people have got this lad wrong,” Owen said.
“They think he’s a sitting midfielder, but he’s nothing like that, he’s an attacking midfielder who will score goals.
“We’re seeing that. He likes breaking through.”
Hopefully Keita can stay fit, first and foremost.
His talent has rarely been questioned, but it would be a travesty if he picked up another knock and had to start over by regaining fitness and then Jurgen Klopp’s trust.
The fact the boss started Keita in a must-win game shows Klopp is delighted with how Keita is currently applying himself.
We reckon he’ll stay in the side for Saturday’s game with Watford – a game we expect to win before jetting off to Qatar for the Club World Cup.
Following our two matches in the Middle East, it’s Leicester City on Boxing Day, which could be a massive fixture in the Premier League title race.