Analysis of Liverpool-bound Naby Keita as he inspires RB Leipzig to victory over Bayern Munich

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  • Timo Werner scored the winner as RB Leipzig recovered from going behind to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 on Sunday.

    The Bundesliga leaders suffered their first defeat since November, a stretch of 19 matches in all competitions.

    Sandro Wagner gave Bayern an early lead but the hosts hit back through Liverpool-bound Naby Keita and Werner.

    Here, we analyse Keita’s performance.

    STATISTICS 

    Goals – 1

    Assists – 1

    Shots – 1

    Shots on target – 1

    Touches – 40

    Passes – 23

    Key passes – 4

    Aerials won – 0

    Dribbles – 1

    Dispossessed – 3

    30-SECOND REPORT

    Deployed in a more advanced role as one of the two behind the main striker Yussuf Poulsen.

    Initially, it seemed as if it was a mistake with the midfielder a peripheral figure but he gradually grew into the game, particularly coming to the fore on the counter-attack.

    His surging runs were a treat to watch as he was Leipzig’s chief threat. He was alert and took his goal well while splitting Bayern’s defence open to set up the winner. Unfortunately went off injured in the 69th minute.

    Naby Keita (R)

    Naby Keita (R)

    GOT RIGHT

    Creativity – Keita showed he has a real eye for a killer pass. Coming to life in the final third, he made four key passes on the day. His through ball for Werner to score the winner was inch-perfect.

    Runs – His low centre of gravity makes him a slippery customer when he sets off on one of his driving runs forward through the heart of the opposition. Despite his diminutive stature, he is also a strong and powerful runner and used that to good effect.

    GOT WRONG

    Passing – While he played some superb defence-splitting passes, he maybe tried to force the issue on a few occasions as well. He only made 23 passes in the game with an accuracy of 74 per cent. It’s a harsh criticism though given his role was to unlock the defence with quick penetrative passes.

    Tackling – Normally a fine tackler, that aspect of his game suffered as he played further forward. He made zero tackles and interceptions as he steered clear of the midfield battle.

    KEY MOMENTS

    26th min FOULED: Drives forward with the ball and draws a foul on the edge of the box. A great position for a free-kick which Bruma takes and is saved.

    37th min GOAL: Keita is found inside the box and sets up Werner whose shot is parried by the keeper but the midfielder is on hand to force in the rebound to level proceedings.

    43rd min PASS: He plays a good pass through for Bruma who is fouled on the edge of the box. Kampl’s free-kick is curled over the target.

    45th min CHANCE: Great interplay as Keita releases Poulsen into space on the break and continues his run into the box. The striker finds him with a cross but his chest control is off and the keeper is able to collect.

    56th min ASSIST: Werner makes a great run to peel away from Sule and Keita finds him with a perfectly weighted through ball. The German finishes the move off with aplomb as Leipzig take the lead.

    58th min APPEAL: Another trademark surge into the box by the Guinea national sends alarm bells off in the Bayern defence. Hummels puts an end to his run and there are a few appeals for a penalty but play is waived on.

    67th min CHANCE: Keita creates another fine chance with a ball over the top for Laimer who latches on to it with time to take on the shot. He looks for Werner in the middle instead and Hummels makes the interception.

    Naby Keita celebrates scoring for Leipzig

    Naby Keita celebrates scoring for Leipzig

    VERDICT

    Keita looks like a player who will make a big impact on Liverpool once he joins the Reds ahead of next season. He’s an all-action midfielder with few weaknesses. The drive he offers from midfield naturally puts his side on the front foot.

    In this win over Bayern, he was an inspirational presence and played a huge role in their comeback, dragging them level before setting up the winner with an exquisite pass. He is everything you want in a Premier League central midfielder.

    RATING: 8/10

    All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com

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