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m Reverted 1 edit by 2A00:23C4:CF4F:8201:71:6C55:813E:2021 (talk) to last revision by Mattythewhite (TW)
Added info to the 2019-20 season, added images, split "Liverpool" section considering into "2018-19" and "2019-20" season considering original section's content and size, added sources.
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===Red Bull Salzburg===
===Red Bull Salzburg===
[[File:FC RB Salzburg gegen Admira Wacker Mödling (10. April 2016) 37.JPG|thumb|upright|Keïta with [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]] in 2016]]

In 2014, he joined Austrian top division side [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]].<ref name="Ten things on RB Leipzig's new African star Naby Keita" /> He made his league debut on 26 July 2014 against [[SC Wiener Neustadt|Wiener Neustadt]].<ref name="soccerway3">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/07/26/austria/bundesliga/fc-magna-wiener-neustadt/fc-red-bull-salzburg/1692303/|title=Wiener Neustadt vs. Red Bull Salzburg – 26 July 2014 |publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> Keïta ended the season with five goals and two assists in 30 games, winning the league and cup double. The following season, he was selected as the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Year.
In 2014, he joined Austrian top division side [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]].<ref name="Ten things on RB Leipzig's new African star Naby Keita" /> He made his league debut on 26 July 2014 against [[SC Wiener Neustadt|Wiener Neustadt]].<ref name="soccerway3">{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2014/07/26/austria/bundesliga/fc-magna-wiener-neustadt/fc-red-bull-salzburg/1692303/|title=Wiener Neustadt vs. Red Bull Salzburg – 26 July 2014 |publisher=Soccerway|accessdate=28 July 2014}}</ref> Keïta ended the season with five goals and two assists in 30 games, winning the league and cup double. The following season, he was selected as the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Year.


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On 28 August 2017, a deal was struck for Keïta to join [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 1 July 2018 after the English club triggered his £75&nbsp;million release clause in addition to paying an undisclosed premium.<ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita: Liverpool agree club-record deal for Leipzig midfielder for July 2018|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41075272|accessdate=28 August 2017|publisher=BBC News |date=28 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Liverpool agree deal to sign Naby Keita|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/273590-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-naby-keita|accessdate=29 August 2017|publisher=Liverpool FC|date=29 August 2017}}</ref> There would be no premium (£48&nbsp;million total) if Leipzig did not qualify for European football, £4.75&nbsp;million (£52.75&nbsp;million total) if they qualified for the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] and £11&nbsp;million (£59&nbsp;million total) if they finished in the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League spots]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RB Leipzig's Season Finish Could Wind Up Increasing Liverpool's Fee for Naby Keita|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/12/14/contract-clause-revealed-will-force-liverpool-pay-more-rb-leipzig-star-naby-keita|accessdate=14 December 2017|website=Sports Illustrated|date=14 December 2017}}</ref> Leipzig finished 6th in the Bundesliga, qualifying for the Europa League.
On 28 August 2017, a deal was struck for Keïta to join [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] on 1 July 2018 after the English club triggered his £75&nbsp;million release clause in addition to paying an undisclosed premium.<ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita: Liverpool agree club-record deal for Leipzig midfielder for July 2018|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/41075272|accessdate=28 August 2017|publisher=BBC News |date=28 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Liverpool agree deal to sign Naby Keita|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/273590-liverpool-agree-deal-to-sign-naby-keita|accessdate=29 August 2017|publisher=Liverpool FC|date=29 August 2017}}</ref> There would be no premium (£48&nbsp;million total) if Leipzig did not qualify for European football, £4.75&nbsp;million (£52.75&nbsp;million total) if they qualified for the [[UEFA Europa League|Europa League]] and £11&nbsp;million (£59&nbsp;million total) if they finished in the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League spots]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RB Leipzig's Season Finish Could Wind Up Increasing Liverpool's Fee for Naby Keita|url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/12/14/contract-clause-revealed-will-force-liverpool-pay-more-rb-leipzig-star-naby-keita|accessdate=14 December 2017|website=Sports Illustrated|date=14 December 2017}}</ref> Leipzig finished 6th in the Bundesliga, qualifying for the Europa League.


==== 2018&ndash;19 ====
[[File:FC Salzburg gegen Liverpool FC (UEFA Champions League 10.Dezember 2019) 34.jpg|thumb|356x356px|Keïta (front) playing for [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]] in 2019]]
Upon joining Liverpool he was handed the number 8 shirt by Liverpool legend [[Steven Gerrard]] which had been vacated upon the departure of Gerrard to [[LA Galaxy]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita: Steven Gerrard handed me the No.8 jersey|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/305366-naby-keita-steven-gerrard-number-eight|accessdate=14 December 2018|website=Liverpool FC|date=27 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita Was Handed The Number 8 Shirt By Steven Gerrard|url=http://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-naby-keta-reveals-the-brilliant-way-he-was-handed-the-number-8-jers-20180627|accessdate=14 December 2018|website=SPORTbible|date=27 June 2018}}</ref> Keïta made his debut for Liverpool against [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] on 12 August 2018 and played a part in the opening goal for [[Mohamed Salah]] in a 4–0 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naby Keita impressed for Liverpool on his debut against West Ham |first=Adam |last=Bate |work=Sky Sports |date=13 August 2018 |accessdate=16 September 2018 |url= https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12028/11471028/naby-keita-impressed-for-liverpool-on-his-debut-against-west-ham}}</ref>
Upon joining Liverpool he was handed the number 8 shirt by Liverpool legend [[Steven Gerrard]] which had been vacated upon the departure of Gerrard to [[LA Galaxy]] in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita: Steven Gerrard handed me the No.8 jersey|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/305366-naby-keita-steven-gerrard-number-eight|accessdate=14 December 2018|website=Liverpool FC|date=27 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Naby Keita Was Handed The Number 8 Shirt By Steven Gerrard|url=http://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-naby-keta-reveals-the-brilliant-way-he-was-handed-the-number-8-jers-20180627|accessdate=14 December 2018|website=SPORTbible|date=27 June 2018}}</ref> Keïta made his debut for Liverpool against [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]] on 12 August 2018 and played a part in the opening goal for [[Mohamed Salah]] in a 4–0 win.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Naby Keita impressed for Liverpool on his debut against West Ham |first=Adam |last=Bate |work=Sky Sports |date=13 August 2018 |accessdate=16 September 2018 |url= https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12028/11471028/naby-keita-impressed-for-liverpool-on-his-debut-against-west-ham}}</ref>


On 5 April 2019, Keïta scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 3&ndash;1 win against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mann |first1=Mantej |title=Salah ends drought as Liverpool go top |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47742713 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=5 April 2019}}</ref> and added a first European goal four days later against [[FC Porto]] in the [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|UEFA Champions League]] quarter-final first leg.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/09/liverpool-porto-champions-league-quarter-final-first-leg-match-report |title =Liverpool cruise to victory over Porto after Naby Keïta’s flying start|date=9 April 2019|work=Guardian|accessdate=10 April 2019}}</ref> He was injured in May 2019, ruling him out for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48146207|title=Naby Keita: Liverpool midfielder out for at least two months|date=3 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=27 August 2019}}</ref> Although Keïta was injured, he won his first Liverpool title while out of the matchday squad as his team mates secured the win in the [[2019 UEFA Champions League Final|Champions League final]] against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in early June.
On 5 April 2019, Keïta scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 3&ndash;1 win against [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mann |first1=Mantej |title=Salah ends drought as Liverpool go top |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47742713 |website=BBC Sport |accessdate=5 April 2019}}</ref> and added a first European goal four days later against [[FC Porto]] in the [[2018–19 UEFA Champions League knockout phase|UEFA Champions League]] quarter-final first leg.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/09/liverpool-porto-champions-league-quarter-final-first-leg-match-report |title =Liverpool cruise to victory over Porto after Naby Keïta’s flying start|date=9 April 2019|work=Guardian|accessdate=10 April 2019}}</ref> He was injured in May 2019, ruling him out for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48146207|title=Naby Keita: Liverpool midfielder out for at least two months|date=3 May 2019|publisher=BBC Sport|accessdate=27 August 2019}}</ref> Although Keïta was injured, he won his first Liverpool title while out of the matchday squad as his team mates secured the win in the [[2019 UEFA Champions League Final|Champions League final]] against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] in early June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48368443|title=Liverpool beat Spurs 2-0 to win Champions League final in Madrid|date=2019-06-01|access-date=2019-12-25|language=en-GB}}</ref>


==== 2019&ndash;20 ====
Hampered by injury, Keita was a fringe player during the early part of the [[2019-20 Liverpool F.C. season|subsequent season]]. Notably, he provided a goal and assist in a 3-0 win away to [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]] in December 2019, a game which marked his first league start of the season.<ref name="Squires">{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-hope-naby-keita-after-17381534.amp|title=New hope for Naby Keita after Liverpool midfielder leaves Jurgen Klopp with no regrets at Bournemouth|author=Squires, Theo|publisher=Liverpool Echo|date=7 December 2019}}</ref> Three days later, he provided Liverpool's first in a 2-0 [[2019-20 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] win against his former club, [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|RB Salzburg]], which saw the reigning European champions progress to the knockout stages as the victors of [[2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Champions_League_group_stage#Group_E|Group E]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11945/11883038/red-bull-salzburg-0-2-liverpool-naby-keita-and-mohamed-salah-score-to-seal-top-spot-in-group-e|title=Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Liverpool: Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah score to seal top spot in Group E|publisher=Sky Sports|date=10 December 2019}}</ref>
Hampered by injury<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/360891-naby-keita-injury-latest-jurgen-klopp|title=Naby Keita injury update|website=Liverpool FC|access-date=2019-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/naby-keita-injury-update-after-17175425|title=Keita injury update after midfielder suffers further disappointment|last=Rimmer|first=Joe|last2=Doyle|first2=Ian|date=2019-10-31|website=liverpoolecho|access-date=2019-12-25}}</ref>,Keïta was a fringe player during the early part of the [[2019-20 Liverpool F.C. season|subsequent season]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://onefootball.com/en/news/exclusive-danny-mills-raves-about-liverpool-fringe-player-who-undoubtedly-has-got-quality-en-28328427?variable=20191225|title=Exclusive: Danny Mills raves about Liverpool fringe player who ‘Undoubtedly’ has got ‘Quality’|last=Onefootball|website=Onefootball|language=en|access-date=2019-12-25}}</ref> On 7 December, he provided a goal and assist in a 3&ndash;0 win away against [[A.F.C. Bournemouth|Bournemouth]], a game which marked his first league start of the season.<ref name="Squires">{{cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/new-hope-naby-keita-after-17381534.amp|title=New hope for Naby Keita after Liverpool midfielder leaves Jurgen Klopp with no regrets at Bournemouth|author=Squires, Theo|publisher=Liverpool Echo|date=7 December 2019}}</ref> On 10 December, he provided Liverpool's first goal in a 2&ndash;0 [[2019-20 UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] win against his former club, [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Salzburg]], which saw the reigning European champions progress to the knockout stages as the victors of [[2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Champions_League_group_stage#Group_E|Group E]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11945/11883038/red-bull-salzburg-0-2-liverpool-naby-keita-and-mohamed-salah-score-to-seal-top-spot-in-group-e|title=Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Liverpool: Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah score to seal top spot in Group E|publisher=Sky Sports|date=10 December 2019}}</ref>

On 18 December, he scored the opening goal in a 2&ndash;1 win over Mexican club [[C.F. Monterrey|Monterrey]] as Liverpool progressed to the [[2019 FIFA Club World Cup Final|Club World Cup final]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11889963/monterrey-1-2-liverpool-roberto-firminos-late-winner-seals-club-world-cup-final-place|title=Monterrey 1-2 Liverpool: Roberto Firmino's late winner seals Club World Cup final place|website=Sky Sports|language=en|access-date=2019-12-25}}</ref>; three days later, on 21 December, he started in the final against [[Clube de Regatas do Flamengo|Flamengo]], playing 100 minutes until being substituted as Liverpool won 1&ndash;0 to be crowned world club champions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/11892272/liverpool-1-0-flamengo-roberto-firmino-seals-club-world-cup-final-triumph|title=Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo: Roberto Firmino seals Club World Cup final triumph|website=Sky Sports|language=en|access-date=2019-12-25}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
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On 12 November 2015, he scored his first international goal, the only one away to [[Namibia national football team|Namibia]] in [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Second Round|the first leg of the second round]] of [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Coupe du monde 2018 : la Guinée s’en sort bien en Namibie|trans-title=2018 World Cup: Guinea travel well in Namibia |url=http://afriquefoot.rfi.fr/20151112-football-coupe-monde-2018-eliminatoires-namibie-guinee-luis-fernandez |accessdate=4 November 2018 |publisher=RFi |date=12 November 2015 |language=French}}</ref> Three days later in the return leg – in Morocco due to the [[Ebola virus epidemic in Guinea]] – he scored again in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |title=CM 2018 : La Guinée confirme et se qualifie|trans-title=WC 2018: Guinea confirm and qualify |url=http://www.afrik-foot.com/cm-2018-la-guinee-confirme-et-se-qualifie |accessdate=4 November 2018 |publisher=Afrik Foot |date=15 November 2015 |language=French}}</ref>
On 12 November 2015, he scored his first international goal, the only one away to [[Namibia national football team|Namibia]] in [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Second Round|the first leg of the second round]] of [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Coupe du monde 2018 : la Guinée s’en sort bien en Namibie|trans-title=2018 World Cup: Guinea travel well in Namibia |url=http://afriquefoot.rfi.fr/20151112-football-coupe-monde-2018-eliminatoires-namibie-guinee-luis-fernandez |accessdate=4 November 2018 |publisher=RFi |date=12 November 2015 |language=French}}</ref> Three days later in the return leg – in Morocco due to the [[Ebola virus epidemic in Guinea]] – he scored again in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{cite news |title=CM 2018 : La Guinée confirme et se qualifie|trans-title=WC 2018: Guinea confirm and qualify |url=http://www.afrik-foot.com/cm-2018-la-guinee-confirme-et-se-qualifie |accessdate=4 November 2018 |publisher=Afrik Foot |date=15 November 2015 |language=French}}</ref>

==Document falsification charges==
⚫
In autumn 2017, Keïta was charged with uttering false documents. The German newspaper ''[[Bild]]'' reported that, in early December 2016 and again six weeks later, he had presented two fake Guinean driver's licences in order to obtain a driving licence in Germany. The district court in Leipzig ''(Amtsgericht Leipzig)'' fined him €415,000, basing the sentence on Keïta's estimated annual income of around €3 million. Keïta's lawyer filed an appeal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leipzig-Star soll ein Vermögen an Strafe zahlen|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/article170393361/Leipzig-Star-soll-ein-Vermoegen-an-Strafe-zahlen.html|accessdate=8 November 2017|newspaper=Die Welt|date=7 November 2017}}</ref> The appeals court reduced the fine to €250,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/03/23/leipzigs-naby-keita-fined-for-false-driving-licenses/33215643/|title=Leipzig's Naby Keita fined for false driving licenses|website=USA TODAY}}</ref>


==Style of play==
==Style of play==
While writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', Nick Ames and Nick Miller described Keïta as "a dynamic, [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box]] central midfielder," likening him to [[N'Golo Kanté]]. They also noted, however, that he is able to distribute the ball with range and accuracy, and score goals, which has instead frequently led him to be compared to Brazilian-Portuguese former [[playmaker]] [[Deco]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/28/rising-stars-10-players-watch-2017 |title=Rising football stars: 10 players to watch in 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |author=Nick Ames and Nick Miller |date=28 December 2016 |accessdate=26 June 2017 }}</ref> David Usher of ''[[ESPN FC]]'' has described Keïta as an energetic [[midfielder]], with good defensive qualities, which also allows him to play in a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|holding role]] if necessary. Usher went on to note that Keïta is "quick, skillful, creative and direct. He can [[Dribbling#Association football|dribble]], pass and shoot, and he frequently makes the spectacular look routine."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/3548415/liverpools-naby-keita-promises-to-provide-fireworks-in-the-no-8-shirt |title=Liverpool's Naby Keita promises to provide fireworks in the No. 8 shirt |publisher=ESPN FC |author1=David Usher |date=28 June 2018 |accessdate=27 March 2019 }}</ref>
[[File:FC RB Salzburg gegen Admira Wacker Mödling (10. April 2016) 37.JPG|thumb|Keïta playing for [[FC Red Bull Salzburg|Red Bull Salzburg]] in 2016|alt=|296x296px]]While writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', Nick Ames and Nick Miller described Keïta as "a dynamic, [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box]] central midfielder," likening him to [[N'Golo Kanté]]. They also noted, however, that he is able to distribute the ball with range and accuracy, and score goals, which has instead frequently led him to be compared to Brazilian-Portuguese former [[playmaker]] [[Deco]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/28/rising-stars-10-players-watch-2017 |title=Rising football stars: 10 players to watch in 2017 |newspaper=The Guardian |author=Nick Ames and Nick Miller |date=28 December 2016 |accessdate=26 June 2017 }}</ref> David Usher of ''[[ESPN FC]]'' has described Keïta as an energetic [[midfielder]], with good defensive qualities, which also allows him to play in a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|holding role]] if necessary. Usher went on to note that Keïta is "quick, skillful, creative and direct. He can [[Dribbling#Association football|dribble]], pass and shoot, and he frequently makes the spectacular look routine".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/3548415/liverpools-naby-keita-promises-to-provide-fireworks-in-the-no-8-shirt |title=Liverpool's Naby Keita promises to provide fireworks in the No. 8 shirt |publisher=ESPN FC |author1=David Usher |date=28 June 2018 |accessdate=27 March 2019 }}</ref>

==Legal issues==
⚫
In autumn 2017, Keïta was charged with uttering false documents. The German newspaper ''[[Bild]]'' reported that, in early December 2016 and again six weeks later, he had presented two fake Guinean driver's licences in order to obtain a driving licence in Germany. The district court in Leipzig ''(Amtsgericht Leipzig)'' fined him €415,000, basing the sentence on Keïta's estimated annual income of around €3 million. Keïta's lawyer filed an appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/sport/article170393361/Leipzig-Star-soll-ein-Vermoegen-an-Strafe-zahlen.html|title=Leipzig-Star soll ein Vermögen an Strafe zahlen|date=7 November 2017|newspaper=Die Welt|accessdate=8 November 2017}}</ref> The appeals court reduced the fine to €250,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/03/23/leipzigs-naby-keita-fined-for-false-driving-licenses/33215643/|title=Leipzig's Naby Keita fined for false driving licenses|website=USA TODAY}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==

Revision as of 12:42, 25 December 2019

"Naby" redirects here. For other people named Naby, see Naby (disambiguation).
Naby Keïta
Keïta with RB Leipzig in 2016
Personal information
Full name Naby Laye Keïta[1]
Date of birth (1995-02-10) 10 February 1995 (age 29)[2]
Place of birth Conakry, Guinea
Height 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)[2]
Position(s) Central midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Liverpool
Number 8
Youth career
2004–2012 Horoya
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2014 FC Istres 23 (4)
2014–2016 Red Bull Salzburg 59 (17)
2016–2018 RB Leipzig 58 (14)
2018– Liverpool 28 (3)
International career‡
2013– Guinea 35 (6)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:00, 10 December 2019 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23:37, 14 November 2019 (UTC)

Naby Laye Keïta (born 10 February 1995) is a Guinean professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Guinea national team.[3]

Keïta began his professional career with Ligue 2 club FC Istres in 2013, and a year later he moved to Red Bull Salzburg, where he won the Austrian Football Bundesliga and Austrian Cup double in both of his seasons. He then moved to RB Leipzig in 2016, making the Bundesliga team of the season in his first year and the UEFA Europa League squad of the season in his second. He agreed to join Liverpool in 2017, and completed the move a year later, winning the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club.

Keïta made his senior international debut for Guinea in 2013. He has earned over 30 caps and was part of their squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015 and 2019.

Club career

FC Istres

Keïta joined hometown club Horoya AC aged nine.[4] He moved to France in 2012, joining the youth team of FC Istres after unsuccessful trials at FC Lorient and Le Mans FC.[4]

In 2013, he was promoted to the first team of Istres. He made his Ligue 2 debut on 22 November 2013 against Nîmes Olympique.[5] He scored 11 goals in 23 games in his first season as a professional, while his team were relegated to the Championnat National.[6]

Red Bull Salzburg

In 2014, he joined Austrian top division side Red Bull Salzburg.[4] He made his league debut on 26 July 2014 against Wiener Neustadt.[7] Keïta ended the season with five goals and two assists in 30 games, winning the league and cup double. The following season, he was selected as the Austrian Bundesliga Player of the Year.

RB Leipzig

In June 2016, Keïta moved to Red Bull Salzburg sister-club RB Leipzig, who had just been promoted to the German Bundesliga.[4][8] He scored the winner on his league debut against Borussia Dortmund[9] and scored seven more goals in his debut Bundesliga season. He was named in the league's team of the season.[10]

Keïta was named in the squad of the season for the 2017–18 UEFA Europa League, in which his team were quarter-finalists.[11]

Liverpool

On 28 August 2017, a deal was struck for Keïta to join Liverpool on 1 July 2018 after the English club triggered his £75 million release clause in addition to paying an undisclosed premium.[12][13] There would be no premium (£48 million total) if Leipzig did not qualify for European football, £4.75 million (£52.75 million total) if they qualified for the Europa League and £11 million (£59 million total) if they finished in the Champions League spots.[14] Leipzig finished 6th in the Bundesliga, qualifying for the Europa League.

2018–19

Keïta (front) playing for Liverpool in 2019

Upon joining Liverpool he was handed the number 8 shirt by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard which had been vacated upon the departure of Gerrard to LA Galaxy in 2015.[15][16] Keïta made his debut for Liverpool against West Ham United on 12 August 2018 and played a part in the opening goal for Mohamed Salah in a 4–0 win.[17]

On 5 April 2019, Keïta scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 3–1 win against Southampton,[18] and added a first European goal four days later against FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.[19] He was injured in May 2019, ruling him out for the rest of the season.[20] Although Keïta was injured, he won his first Liverpool title while out of the matchday squad as his team mates secured the win in the Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur in early June.[21]

2019–20

Hampered by injury[22][23],Keïta was a fringe player during the early part of the subsequent season.[24] On 7 December, he provided a goal and assist in a 3–0 win away against Bournemouth, a game which marked his first league start of the season.[25] On 10 December, he provided Liverpool's first goal in a 2–0 Champions League win against his former club, Salzburg, which saw the reigning European champions progress to the knockout stages as the victors of Group E.[26]

On 18 December, he scored the opening goal in a 2–1 win over Mexican club Monterrey as Liverpool progressed to the Club World Cup final[27]; three days later, on 21 December, he started in the final against Flamengo, playing 100 minutes until being substituted as Liverpool won 1–0 to be crowned world club champions.[28]

International career

On 28 July 2013, Keïta made his international debut for the Guinea national team against Mali in a 2014 African Nations Championship qualification match. He came on as a half-time substitute for Naby Laye Camara in the 1–0 home win.[29]

He was included in Michel Dussuyer's 23-man squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.[30] In the opening match against the Ivory Coast, he was struck in the face by Gervinho, who was sent off.[31]

On 12 November 2015, he scored his first international goal, the only one away to Namibia in the first leg of the second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification.[32] Three days later in the return leg – in Morocco due to the Ebola virus epidemic in Guinea – he scored again in a 2–0 win.[33]

Style of play

Keïta playing for Red Bull Salzburg in 2016

While writing for The Guardian, Nick Ames and Nick Miller described Keïta as "a dynamic, box-to-box central midfielder," likening him to N'Golo Kanté. They also noted, however, that he is able to distribute the ball with range and accuracy, and score goals, which has instead frequently led him to be compared to Brazilian-Portuguese former playmaker Deco.[34] David Usher of ESPN FC has described Keïta as an energetic midfielder, with good defensive qualities, which also allows him to play in a holding role if necessary. Usher went on to note that Keïta is "quick, skillful, creative and direct. He can dribble, pass and shoot, and he frequently makes the spectacular look routine".[35]

In autumn 2017, Keïta was charged with uttering false documents. The German newspaper Bild reported that, in early December 2016 and again six weeks later, he had presented two fake Guinean driver's licences in order to obtain a driving licence in Germany. The district court in Leipzig (Amtsgericht Leipzig) fined him €415,000, basing the sentence on Keïta's estimated annual income of around €3 million. Keïta's lawyer filed an appeal.[36] The appeals court reduced the fine to €250,000.[37]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 21 December 2019[2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
FC Istres 2013–14 Ligue 2 23 4 0 0 — — — 23 4
FC Red Bull Salzburg 2014–15 A. Bundesliga 30 5 4 0 — 10[a] 1 — 44 6
2015–16 A. Bundesliga 29 12 5 2 — 3[b] 0 — 37 14
Total 59 17 9 2 — 13 1 0 0 81 20
RB Leipzig 2016–17 Bundesliga 31 8 1 0 — — — 32 8
2017–18 Bundesliga 27 6 2 1 — 10[c] 2 — 39 9
Total 58 14 3 1 — 10 2 0 0 71 17
Liverpool 2018–19 Premier League 25 2 1 0 1 0 6[d] 1 0 0 33 3
2019–20 Premier League 3 1 0 0 2 0 4[d] 1 3[e] 1 12 3
Total 28 3 1 0 3 0 10 2 3 1 45 6
Career total 168 38 13 3 3 0 33 5 3 1 220 47
  1. ^ Four appearances in the Champions League; six appearances and a goal in the Europa League
  2. ^ Two appearances in the Champions League and one in the Europa League
  3. ^ Five appearances and two goals in the Champions League; five appearances in the Europa League
  4. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ One appearance in FA Community Shield, two appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup

International

As of match played 14 November 2019[29]
Guinea
Year Apps Goals
2013 1 0
2014 7 0
2015 11 2
2016 4 0
2017 5 3
2018 4 0
2019 3 1
Total 35 6

International goals

Scores and results list Guinea's goal tally first.[29]
No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1. 12 November 2015 Sam Nujoma Stadium, Windhoek, Namibia  Namibia 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
2. 15 November 2015 Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco 2–0 2–0
3. 10 June 2017 Stade Bouaké, Bouaké, Ivory Coast  Ivory Coast 3–2 3–2 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
4. 31 August 2017 Stade du 28 Septembre, Conakry, Guinea  Libya 1–0 3–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
5. 7 October 2017  Tunisia 1–0 1–4
6. 14 November 2019 Stade du 26 Mars, Bamako, Mali  Mali 1–1 2–2 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Honours

Red Bull Salzburg

Liverpool

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Naby Keita: 10 things on RB Leipzig's Liverpool-bound Guinea midfielder". Bundesliga. Retrieved 1 June 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "N. Keïta: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
  3. ^ "Liverpool agree deal to sign Naby Keita". Liverpool Football Club. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d "Ten things on RB Leipzig's new African star Naby Keita". Bundesliga. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  5. ^ "Istres vs. Nîmes – 22 November 2013". Soccerway. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  6. ^ "Ligue 2 table".
  7. ^ "Wiener Neustadt vs. Red Bull Salzburg – 26 July 2014". Soccerway. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  8. ^ Fußball: Naby Keita wechselt von Salzburg zu Leipzig, salzburg.com, 20 June 2016
  9. ^ "Leipzig get first Bundesliga win with Keïta goal against Borussia Dortmund". The Guardian. Associated Press. 10 September 2016. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Official Bundesliga Team of the Season for 2016/17". bundesliga.com. 26 May 2017. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  11. ^ a b "UEFA Europa League Squad of the 2017/18 Season". UEFA. 17 May 2018.
  12. ^ "Naby Keita: Liverpool agree club-record deal for Leipzig midfielder for July 2018". BBC News. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  13. ^ "Liverpool agree deal to sign Naby Keita". Liverpool FC. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2017.
  14. ^ "RB Leipzig's Season Finish Could Wind Up Increasing Liverpool's Fee for Naby Keita". Sports Illustrated. 14 December 2017. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  15. ^ "Naby Keita: Steven Gerrard handed me the No.8 jersey". Liverpool FC. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  16. ^ "Naby Keita Was Handed The Number 8 Shirt By Steven Gerrard". SPORTbible. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  17. ^ Bate, Adam (13 August 2018). "Naby Keita impressed for Liverpool on his debut against West Ham". Sky Sports. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  18. ^ Mann, Mantej. "Salah ends drought as Liverpool go top". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 April 2019.
  19. ^ "Liverpool cruise to victory over Porto after Naby Keïta's flying start". Guardian. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  20. ^ "Naby Keita: Liverpool midfielder out for at least two months". BBC Sport. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 27 August 2019.
  21. ^ "Liverpool beat Spurs 2-0 to win Champions League final in Madrid". 1 June 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  22. ^ "Naby Keita injury update". Liverpool FC. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  23. ^ Rimmer, Joe; Doyle, Ian (31 October 2019). "Keita injury update after midfielder suffers further disappointment". liverpoolecho. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  24. ^ Onefootball. "Exclusive: Danny Mills raves about Liverpool fringe player who 'Undoubtedly' has got 'Quality'". Onefootball. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  25. ^ Squires, Theo (7 December 2019). "New hope for Naby Keita after Liverpool midfielder leaves Jurgen Klopp with no regrets at Bournemouth". Liverpool Echo.
  26. ^ "Red Bull Salzburg 0-2 Liverpool: Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah score to seal top spot in Group E". Sky Sports. 10 December 2019.
  27. ^ "Monterrey 1-2 Liverpool: Roberto Firmino's late winner seals Club World Cup final place". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  28. ^ "Liverpool 1-0 Flamengo: Roberto Firmino seals Club World Cup final triumph". Sky Sports. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  29. ^ a b c "Keïta, Naby". National Football Teams. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  30. ^ "2015 Nations Cup: Constant included in Guinea squad". BBC Sport. 31 December 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  31. ^ "Afcon 2015: Two-match ban as Gervinho apologises for red card". BBC Sport. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  32. ^ "Coupe du monde 2018 : la Guinée s'en sort bien en Namibie" [2018 World Cup: Guinea travel well in Namibia] (in French). RFi. 12 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  33. ^ "CM 2018 : La Guinée confirme et se qualifie" [WC 2018: Guinea confirm and qualify] (in French). Afrik Foot. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  34. ^ Nick Ames and Nick Miller (28 December 2016). "Rising football stars: 10 players to watch in 2017". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
  35. ^ David Usher (28 June 2018). "Liverpool's Naby Keita promises to provide fireworks in the No. 8 shirt". ESPN FC. Retrieved 27 March 2019.
  36. ^ "Leipzig-Star soll ein Vermögen an Strafe zahlen". Die Welt. 7 November 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2017.
  37. ^ "Leipzig's Naby Keita fined for false driving licenses". USA TODAY.
  38. ^ McNulty, Phil (1 June 2019). "Tottenham Hotspur 0–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
    Adewoye, Gbenga (1 June 2019). "Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Joel Matip and Naby Keita win Champions League title with Liverpool". Goal.com. Perform Group. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  39. ^ Poole, Harry (21 December 2019). "Liverpool 1–0 Flamengo". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  40. ^ "Salah and Mane Picked in First Africa Best 11". FIFPro. 8 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  41. ^ https://www.redbullsalzburg.at/en/fc-red-bull-salzburg/news/saison_2015_16/austrian-player-and-goalkeeper-of-2015-16-from-fc-red-bull-salzburg.html
  42. ^ https://www.redbullsalzburg.at/en/fc-red-bull-salzburg/news/saison_2015_16/austrian-player-and-goalkeeper-of-2015-16-from-fc-red-bull-salzburg.html
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