PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Naby Keita – Out to prove his worth against Napoli

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Feb 15, 2018. 16:00

To many in Europe, the UEFA Europa League presents an opportunity to measure the Italian sides' dominance against the German outfits.

This is because four Italian Serie A clubs are in the Europa League round of 32 and two of them are up against Bundesliga sides.

Napoli takes on Leipzig on Thursday at the San Paolo while Atalanta are in Germany to face Borussia Dortmund at the Yellow Wall.

With the footballing rivalry between the two nations set to be renewed once again, the focus is on Leipzig’s midfielder Naby Keita.

The Guinea international player is out to prove his worth in the European inter-club tournament and ensure they are through to the next stage.

Leipzig failed to remain in the UEFA Champions League as they bowed down to Besiktas and FC Porto and meeting Partenopei in Naples will be a challenge.

With the Syli Nationale midfielder having come under fire for his not-so-convincing performances, Keita will also have to justify his move to English Premier League side Liverpool.

The Reds are fresh from a 5-0 win against FC Porto on Wednesday and some argue that Keita will become their final piece of a puzzle at Anfield.

However to support or argue against that notion, Keita's dynamism, proficiency both in defensive and offensive actions and flair on the ball will have to come to the fore against Napoli to ensure manager Jurgen Klopp does not regret signing him.