Naby Keita

[Norbs]

He needs to go back to basics, get the ball and quick pass on... keep the ball moving quickly. He's too casual when receiving and too slow laying ball off. Quick, snappy passes, show for the ball more and then take it from there.

He really slowed it down the other night. There's no point playing pacy forwards if you don't get them the ball quickly and in behind the defence. Old cliche that the ball travels faster than the man and that was evident a few times against Wolves. It can't be a confidence issue as he wasn't shy to get involved

[Patricks_Berger]

The whole team is moving the ball far more slowly than last season. I think it must be deliberate- but takes away some of our threat.

[danperkins]

He really slowed it down the other night. There's no point playing pacy forwards if you don't get them the ball quickly and in behind the defence. Old cliche that the ball travels faster than the man and that was evident a few times against Wolves. It can't be a confidence issue as he wasn't shy to get involved

it's been a huge issue with our midfield in general this season imo, not being quick enough in midfield on the ball or progressive/positive enough to play quick balls to front lads who live for that type of play. That link/void has been filled by Shaq to some extent this season and we look a far more effective attacking side with him in the 11.

As regards Keita, imo it's just not being able to play in the faster tempo & far more physical league "yet", whether he adapts or when he adapts remains to be seen. He's a lovely footballer who looked aggressive, skilful, quick on the ball, drives through the attack and a lovely passer at Leipzig... we have seen very little of that.

It's a really difficult situation as we can't afford passengers at this stage of the season but he does also need games and we could do with some of the qualities he has in his locker. For the moment, he looks a shadow of the player we thought he was and it's turned into a difficult situation where other players are simply playing better than him. Maybe he's a slow settler and having trouble adapting, it is early days but not good viewing so far and for price tag you expect more.

Definitely don't want to get on his case, i'm hoping he comes good and asap.

[memzey]

I must say I have my concerns. He seems to be burdened by the weight of expectation in some way and is also coming off of a less than stellar year at RBL. His scenario reminds me a bit of what happened with Djibril Cisse. Horror injury aside he was also a much vaunted player who secured his move a year before making it, proceeded to play below his level for the remainder of his time at his old club and never quite hit his straps again. I hope that isn’t the pattern Naby follows as well. I’m not throwing him in the scrap bin or anything but I’ve seen enough to start being a bit worried. He needs a couple of back to back performances to get him going again but I can’t see where they are coming from.

[Norbs]

We're lucky in that we're not reliant on him to perform. He shouldn't be feeling the pressure, we've signed two more expensive players than him since he signed, both from lesser teams and both have had to step up in expectation. Signs aren't good, Fabinho has shown much more awareness and communication. Naby doesn't look settled at all, it's a worry

[Cormack74]

I must say I have my concerns. He seems to be burdened by the weight of expectation in some way and is also coming off of a less than stellar year at RBL. His scenario reminds me a bit of what happened with Djibril Cisse. Horror injury aside he was also a much vaunted player who secured his move a year before making it, proceeded to play below his level for the remainder of his time at his old club and never quite hit his straps again. I hope that isn’t the pattern Naby follows as well. I’m not throwing him in the scrap bin or anything but I’ve seen enough to start being a bit worried. He needs a couple of back to back performances to get him going again but I can’t see where they are coming from.

From what I saw of him last season he was somewhat below the level of the previous year.

Very early days obviously but he seems way off where he was when we agreed to sign him.

Hopefully it will be foot in mouth time when he starts ripping it up.

[RedReet]

1 12.08.2018 4 - 0 West Ham United Anfield
2 20.08.2018 2 - 0 Crystal Palace Selhurst Park
3 25.08.2018 1 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion Anfield
4 01.09.2018 2 - 1 Leicester City The Walkers Stadium
5 15.09.2018 2 - 1 Tottenham Wembley
6 22.09.2018 3 - 0 Southampton Anfield
7 29.09.2018 1 - 1 Chelsea Stamford Bridge
8 07.10.2018 0 - 0 Manchester City Anfield
9 11.11.2018 2 - 0 Fulham Anfield
10 02.12.2018 1 - 0 Everton Anfield
11 05.12.2018 3 - 1 Burnley Turf Moor
12 08.12.2018 4 - 0 Bournemouth Dean Court
13 16.12.2018 3 - 1 Manchester United Anfield
14 21.12.2018 2 - 0 Wolves Molineux

PL appearances, 12 wins, 2 draws. 8 starts, 8 wins.

[Chris]

1 12.08.2018 4 - 0 West Ham United Anfield
2 20.08.2018 2 - 0 Crystal Palace Selhurst Park
3 25.08.2018 1 - 0 Brighton & Hove Albion Anfield
4 01.09.2018 2 - 1 Leicester City The Walkers Stadium
5 15.09.2018 2 - 1 Tottenham Wembley
6 22.09.2018 3 - 0 Southampton Anfield
7 29.09.2018 1 - 1 Chelsea Stamford Bridge
8 07.10.2018 0 - 0 Manchester City Anfield
9 11.11.2018 2 - 0 Fulham Anfield
10 02.12.2018 1 - 0 Everton Anfield
11 05.12.2018 3 - 1 Burnley Turf Moor
12 08.12.2018 4 - 0 Bournemouth Dean Court
13 16.12.2018 3 - 1 Manchester United Anfield
14 21.12.2018 2 - 0 Wolves Molineux

PL appearances, 12 wins, 2 draws. 8 starts, 8 wins.

Only starts he hasn’t been good in were Wolves where he was kicked off the pitch and Brighton. Also helped games like Chelsea from the bench and Leicester where we had no control at all until him and Shaq come on. He’s capable of much more but he’s done plenty of good for us already.

[Fredo]

He really slowed it down the other night. There's no point playing pacy forwards if you don't get them the ball quickly and in behind the defence. Old cliche that the ball travels faster than the man and that was evident a few times against Wolves. It can't be a confidence issue as he wasn't shy to get involved

You cannot pass at pace all game or look for the ball in behind all the time.

He clearly needs time and to get used to ally his natural game to thrive while learning to play the game here. There is no doubt that the talent is there.

[Red_Polo]

I must say I have my concerns. He seems to be burdened by the weight of expectation in some way and is also coming off of a less than stellar year at RBL. His scenario reminds me a bit of what happened with Djibril Cisse. Horror injury aside he was also a much vaunted player who secured his move a year before making it, proceeded to play below his level for the remainder of his time at his old club and never quite hit his straps again. I hope that isn’t the pattern Naby follows as well. I’m not throwing him in the scrap bin or anything but I’ve seen enough to start being a bit worried. He needs a couple of back to back performances to get him going again but I can’t see where they are coming from.

Not buying that comparison at all. Cisse had only been here 5 minutes and you knew he would never be more than a likable kick and rush merchant with a powerful shot. Keita is far more technically gifted, the ceiling is way higher.

[memzey]

Sorry but the comparison is relevant for all of the reasons I listed above. That Naby and Djibs have different strengths to their games doesn’t make the comparison moot (I wasn’t comparing their attributes as players) although it might make a difference to final outcome of Keita’s time with us. For the record I hope he pulls through this period and starts playing like he was a year and a half ago. All I’m saying is that the signs are worryingly inconclusive to say the least.

[Red_Polo]

Sorry but the comparison is relevant for all of the reasons I listed above. That Naby and Djibs have different strengths to their games doesn’t make the comparison moot (I wasn’t comparing their attributes as players) although it might make a difference to final outcome of Keita’s time with us. For the record I hope he pulls through this period and starts playing like he was a year and a half ago. All I’m saying is that the signs are worryingly inconclusive to say the least.

I'm not sure you've said anything any different for me to change my mind on the validity of the comparison really. I think a player's actual footballing assets are more prognostic.

Of course the signs are not as we'd hoped. If it doesn't work out though, I think it will be highly unlikely I end up comparing him to Cisse beyond what is really very superficial stuff surrounding delayed transfer.

[Gibbo]

Only starts he hasn’t been good in were Wolves where he was kicked off the pitch and Brighton. Also helped games like Chelsea from the bench and Leicester where we had no control at all until him and Shaq come on. He’s capable of much more but he’s done plenty of good for us already.

The main problem he has had is the year that people got to imagine him as the next Gerrard in their heads, he's shown in flashes the talent he has and I don't think it'll be long before he comes good.

[Fosterbloke]

Maybe it's the lack of English speaking skills that's hindering him?

[danperkins]

Maybe it's the lack of English speaking skills that's hindering him?

Could very well be, he's had a year and half now. Haven't heard him talking at all so no idea if he can string english words together.