Andy Robertson has given his thoughts after Naby Keita got another 90 minutes against Bournemouth. The midfielder played a key part in Liverpool’s 3-0 win.
It’s the first time that Keita has played back-to-back 90 minutes for Liverpool and a third consecutive start in the middle of midfield.
That consistency appears to be having a positive effect on the player. It was Keita who opened up Bournemouth for Liverpool’s third goal, splitting the defence to find Roberto Firmino.
Robertson was quick to highlight Keita after the Bournemouth game, labelling it his best game so far.
“I thought that Naby was excellent,” he told the official club site.
“He has taken a wee bit of time to settle in but today was probably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt. I’m sure he can take a lot of confidence from that, which he will.”
Keita’s slow start has been one of the more concerning parts of Liverpool’s season. The Guinean impressed on his debut against West Ham but then appeared to go into his shell.
He’s been ineffective for large parts of the season but Keita has shown progress in the last two games.
Robertson feels the Bournemouth game was further proof of a pattern with Keita and new signings, however.
Robertson addresses Keita progress
“He’s young and he’s had to take time,” he explained. “But if you look at all of us, Fabinho had to take time, me, [Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain].
“There’s a kind of pattern emerging that you need to settle in and you need to learn the way to play and things like that.
“I think everyone forgets how young Naby is – 24 tomorrow, he’s only a young boy. He’s a fantastic player and the more he shows it the more people will start talking about him.
“I thought today he was a different class. I’m sure his confidence will be sky high after today.”
Keita has certainly taken longer than the others to adapt. If this is just the beginning, however, he could be an invaluable asset over the latter half of the season.
There’s still some way to go but Keita may be about to finally show his worth.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
