I didn't think it was one of his poorer performances. He was very reserved, but what I liked about this Keita, he showed discipline. I love how he's always looking for the ball, how he looks to pass between the lines and to initiate attacks instead of the safe passes. So so different to how Hendo and Can plays. Would love to know someone's opinion on his game tonight if anyone can be arsed!
Actually thought it was a very interesting side of him we were able to see yesterday. A bit less of the "gung-ho-all-over-the-pitch"-Keita and a bit more "controlled"-Keita in the middle of the pitch. It's good to see he can do that too.
His numbers from yesterday's game look good. He is very quick, shifts the ball well, good forward passing, good dribbler, strong on his feet, tracks his runners well (important!) and good defensively. Thought he had a good game, though obviously helped by the fact that Napoli didn't care at all about this game. All in all I was pretty disappointed. I know their focus is on the Serie A title, but I did expect them to put up more of a fight. Their passing was frankly embarrassing all game, though their (vertical) off the ball movement is a real joy to watch.
Not sure I want to see him as our #6 though because what I've seen so far from him, his long range passing needs improving I think. We'd be better off using him higher up the pitch where his vertical and short passing is of much more use to us in and around the box.
What I've also noticed, not sure if you can confirm that, is that he mainly plays centrally / on the right side of the pitch, which for me confirms the thought I had of a midfield three of Wijnaldum (who is at his best on the left side of the three), Keita (right side) in front of Henderson (or hopefully a new deep midfielder).
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