PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Naby Keita – Stats show why he is the best player for Leipzig

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Mar 08, 2018. 16:00

RB Leipzig are out to cause another upset in the UEFA Europa League Last 16 stage when they meet Zenit St. Peterburg on Thursday.

Coach Ralph Hassenhutl is delighted with the clash after brushing aside Italian Serie A giants Napoli in the previous round.

The manager said the Russian outfit is more experienced than his men, but players such as Guinea international midfielder Naby Keita will be key.

Keita has impressed their German Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund last weekend as his statistics reveal.

Leipzig opened the scoring through Jean-Kevin Augustin courtesy of a Keita assist in their 1-1 draw at home.

As if that was not enough, the Syli Nationale international also completed 54 passes, contributed with six tackles and two successful dribbles from midfield.

"It is an absolute privilege to be able to play at this time of the season during the week! We left a top team like Naples behind us,” said Hassenhutl.

“That makes us proud and we are happy that we are still involved internationally. It's a great experience for us all."

With the midfielder heading to Liverpool in the English Premier League in July, Jurgen Klopp will have more attacking options and the prospect of Keita linking up with the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Firmino has understandably got fans salivating.

Naby Keita vs Borussia Dortmund

72% passing
2 chances created
1 assist
2 shots
2/2 take-ons
1/2 aerial duels
6/8 tackles
2 interceptions
1 clearance

🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/8hHn1rfgKL

— LFC Stats (@LFCData) March 3, 2018