‘The smart moves, the intelligence’: Virgil van Dijk is a fan of 25-year-old

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Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk has raved about his teammate Naby Keita, as quoted in The Liverpool Echo.

The former Celtic star believes that Keita is “world class”, and has outlined his attributes.

The Netherlands international central defender has also bemoaned the injury problems that the 25-year-old central defender has had.

The Liverpool Echo quotes Van Dijk as saying: “I’m just very happy for Naby. He is a fantastic guy. He works so hard and he is an outstanding football player.

“We see it week in, week out. Unfortunately he has been unlucky with some injuries. But hopefully he can stay fully fit for the next season.”

Van Dijk added: “I think [Keita is] world class if I’m actually honest. I see all the moments when he has the ball. The smart moves, the intelligence. It’s just incredible to see and I’m very happy for him.”

Stats

Keita made nine starts and nine substitute appearances in the Premier League for Liverpool this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in the process, according to WhoScored.

The Guinea international central midfielder also made three starts and one substitute appearances in the Champions League for the Reds this campaign, scoring one goal in the process, according to WhoScored.

During the 2018-19 campaign, the 25-year-old made 16 starts and nine substitute appearances in the league for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the process, according to WhoScored.

The central midfielder also made four starts and two substitute appearances in the Champions League for the Merseyside outfit, scoring one goal in the process, according to WhoScored.

Keeping faith

Keita has not had the best of times at Liverpool, but the former RB Leipzig star has a lot of quality and has experience, and he could turn on the style next season.