He couldn’t have been more impressive – Naby Keita’s debut shows he was worth the wait, says Ian Wright

Ian Wright has heaped praise on new Liverpool signing Naby Keita after the midfielder’s impressive performance against West Ham United last weekend.

Liverpool agreed to sign Keita this summer from RB Leipzig over a year ago, and the highly-rated Guinea international finally made his long-awaited debut at Anfield on Sunday.

Keita impressed in the 4-0 victory that included goals from Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge, as well as a Sadio Mane brace.

Writing in his column for the Sun, Wright – who made 288 appearances for Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Arsenal – was eager to commend Keita for his debut display.

“Jurgen Klopp was so desperate to sign Naby Keita for Liverpool that he slapped down the deposit 12 months ago and was prepared to wait a year before he had him in a red shirt,” Wright commented.

“On Sunday you could see exactly why, because this guy was absolute dynamite. The positions he took up, his distribution, tackling and strength, everything was top drawer.

“You won’t win Player of the Year on one performance, but as markers go it could hardly have been more impressive.”

Keita played 71 times and scored 17 goals for Leipzig before joining Liverpool. He has previously won two Austrian league titles and two Austrian Cups with FC Red Bull Salzburg.

He is the first player to wear the No.8 shirt for Liverpool since former captain Steven Gerrard left the club for LA Galaxy in 2015.

Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who has arrived at Liverpool from Monaco, will be hoping to partner Keita in upcoming games.

Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Monday night.

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