---
title: "Virals: Liverpool enigma Naby Keita dazzles in friendly victory"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-liverpool-enigma-naby-keita-dazzles-in-friendly-victory/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-07-24T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-07-24T07:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Liverpool enigma Naby Keita dazzles in friendly victory

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/23/virals-liverpool-make-huge-offer-for-ac-milan-star-franck-kessie/) midfielder [Naby Keita](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/05/23/virals-naby-keita-reportedly-willing-to-leave-liverpool-this-summer/) has become a target of much frustration amongst Kopites during a four-year spell at Anfield.

Signed from RB Leipzig for £48million in the summer of 2017 ([BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41075272)), the Guinean ace arrived amidst huge excitement and expectation.

Unfortunately, injuries and regular fitness concerns have meant the 26-year-old has struggled to recapture the [form shown in the Bundesliga](https://www.sofascore.com/player/naby-keita/365772) and in Austria previously.

Currently embarking on another pre-season with the Reds, Jurgen Klopp and all associated with the club will hope this is finally the campaign Keita shows his [true colours](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/naby-keita-liverpool-season-skills-19843010).

During Friday evening’s 1-0 friendly victory over Mainz 05, Keita showed off some [impressive skills](https://twitter.com/PassLikeThiago/status/1418615803700813828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1418615803700813828%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givemesport.com%2F1726913-liverpool-naby-keita-dropped-a-masterclass-in-10-win-vs-mainz-in-preseason) whilst on the field in the first half.

> Twitter: Filthy from Keita\
> https://t.co/YdWIE6IqkL (@PassLikeThiago)

> Twitter: Keita lovely skills
>
> https://t.co/CHBDiOJpCk (@PassLikeThiago)

These moments epitomise the ability the [Guinea captain](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/nationalmannschaft/spieler/302215/verein_id/3856) possesses and has shown glimpses of during his career on Merseyside.

In 76 outings for the Reds, Keita has managed [seven goals and four assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/302215) while also [missing 54 games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/verletzungen/spieler/302215) with injury.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Once [described](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/403684-naby-keita-world-class-virgil-van-dijk) as ‘world class’ by Virgil van Dijk – a noteworthy judge – there is no doubt the midfielder has the ability to shine under Klopp this upcoming season.

Keeping fit for [prolonged periods](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/425945-naby-keita-fitness-update) has until now been the issue and if player, club and staff can work together in finding a solution, Liverpool could finally have a star on their hands.

With [two years remaining](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/naby-keita/profil/spieler/302215) on his contract, this campaign is a truly definitive one in deciding whether Keita can be a long-term part of the Anfield setup.

In the absence of Gini Wijnldum, the Guinean simply must deliver this time.