3 key passes: the Liverpool player who dominated proceedings at Dean Court – opinion | OneFootball

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory over an out of form A.F.C Bournemouth on Saturday to ensure they will be topping the table come Christmas Day. One player who produced an emphatic display was Naby Keita, the midfielder showing just why Jurgen Klopp signed him from RB Leipzig with a display full of energy that embodied his manager’s gegenpressing style.

On the few occasions that Liverpool were out of possession, Keita was on hand to overturn the ball and get his side attacking again, making a team-high three tackles, with a further two interceptions; only Joe Gomez made more. The Guinea international midfielder gave the opposition no time or space when they had the ball, consistently pestering them and attempting to win it back much to his success.

Impressively, when Keita had the ball at his feet, the midfielder was outstanding, no player who started the game had a higher pass accuracy than the Liverpool playmaker, who made 95. He also provided one assist from his three key passes, displaying a creative influence which the midfielder is capable of but hasn’t shown often enough since joining the Reds.

Another aspect of the Guinea midfielder’s game which has not been on display enough is his goal-scoring prowess, the goal against the Cherries was his first of the season, but he has previously scored as many as eight and six goals across a season for RB Leipzig.

Along with the goal, Keita registered his first assist of the campaign, another piece of attacking influence which has not been prevalent in a Liverpool shirt. Previously in the Bundesliga, he has registered as many as seven, though Saturday was a step in the right direction.

Overall Keita dominated on the South Coast ensuring his side will have a joyous Christmas day as they attempt to win their first Premier League title. More performances in the ilk of the one he produced on Saturday will ensure he features even more regularly in Klopp’s side.