Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes that Naby Keita has settled very quickly at Anfield and is the ideal candidate for the number 8 role at the club.
The Reds kick-started their Premier League campaign with a thumping 4-0 win over West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday.
Klopp's men handed a first competitive debut to two of their high-profile recruits of the summer in the form of Keita and Alisson Becker, in what played out to be a fairly one-sided contest.
Keita, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig this year, lived up to the billing on his Premier League debut and flourished in the number 8 role alongside Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner in midfield.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool and goals from Sadio Mane, who bagged a brace, put the game beyond any doubt before Daniel Sturridge came off the bench and scored with his first touch to complete the rout.
Klopp was delighted with his side’s performance and quickly pointed out how effective Keita was on his debut.
“Yes, nice. Absolutely a good performance, of course.
"After six weeks in I don’t make the difference between a new player and another player because for me, it is exactly similar importance that Millie and Gini are ready to make the next step in their development as well”, Klopp told a press conference.
"So Naby is in because he’s a really good footballer and I’ve said it from the beginning that he’s obviously settled really quick and has a similar style of play in a similar position as he did at Leipzig.
"He can play different positions of course, but I think No.8 is his best in the moment.
"I’m pleased, absolutely, but actually that’s what we expected”, Klopp added.
Keita enjoyed a dream debut in front of the Kop on Sunday and certainly did justice to the number 8 on the back of his shirt, which had been left unattended since Steven Gerrard’s departure in 2015.
