Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar has suggested that £52 million midfielder Naby Keita is not only good enough to emulate Steven Gerrard in then Reds famous number eight jersey, but that the Guinea international is actually a more complete player than Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.
Keita made his long awaited Liverpool debut at the weekend during his sides impressive 4-0 victory over West Ham at Anfield.
Former Liverpool ‘keeper Grobbelaar reckons that the former RB Leipzig midfielder’s ability to not only break up attacks, but also being able to instigate his own sides forward play, makes him an even better player that highly rated Chelsea destroyer, N’Golo Kante.
Grobbelaar said: “I honestly believe he is the only player who can take that No.8 jersey after Steven Gerrard – I think he’s the perfect player in that position.
“Stevie G was a brilliant player who will always be remembered as a great servant and ambassador for the club and himself.
“And Keita is the only person I would have given that shirt to try and emulate what Steven has produced.
“He’s a beautiful player and I’ve already seen the signs that he’s going to have a major impact on Liverpool this season and in the years to come. Jurgen Klopp was very astute in seeing Keita’s ability and potential to develop. He got in fast, signed him, then left him at Leipzig last season.
“I’m certain he’s going to blossom even more and fit into the side with ease. I’ve seen him in the pre-season games and he’s been absolutely brilliant.
“I liken him to N’Golo Kante, who is a top player. But, with Kante, what you see is what you get. He will hunt you down and win the ball.
“With Keita, he will hunt you down, get the ball, then either get in the box and score or he has the same type of passing range Philippe Coutinho had in the final delivery.
“There’s no question he’s the complete package for me and the perfect person to wear that jersey after Stevie G.”