Exclusive: Naby Keita Backs Liverpool for League Glory, Praises Salah’s Dedication and Konate’s Potential

Naby Keita says it wouldn't be surprising if his former team, Liverpool, were to emerge as Premier League champions this season, as they truly deserve it.

Despite a new manager taking charge after Jurgen Klopp's departure last season, the Reds have been in outstanding form so far, currently on a 22-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

Their 3-1 victory over Leicester City on Boxing Day at Anfield saw them stay at the top of the Premier League table, with 42 points from 17 matches and a game in hand.

Although the hosts started poorly, with the Foxes taking the lead through a sixth-minute strike from Jordan Ayew, Liverpool bounced back with goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and a late strike from Mohamed Salah.

LIVERPOOL DESERVE TO BE ENGLISH CHAMPIONS

In light of their impressive form, Guinea international Keita believes his former side deserves the Premier League title due to their outstanding performances.

"It's very interesting, they are in a good dynamic. I believe that if they continue like this, they can make a surprise," Keita told Sportsboom.com.

"But yes, I would say it's not a surprise because they deserve it. They are in great form and are playing a good football at the moment.

"And I hope that at the end of the Premier League season, they can win the title."

Now with Hungarian side Ferencvaros, Keita spent five seasons at Liverpool, where he was part of the squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup.

After an injury-plagued period that hindered his chances of securing a regular spot in the English team's squad, the African midfielder joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on a free transfer in June 2023. However, he made only five league appearances for the Germans, with just one start.
 

SALAH A BIG PLAYER WITH WINNING MENTALITY

Keita also spoke highly of his former teammate Mohamed Salah, who is a key figure in Arne Slot’s team for the 2024-25 campaign.

The Egyptian currently leads the top scorer chart with 16 goals and also tops the assist chart with 11 assists. Interestingly, his goal against Leicester City made him the eighth player in Premier League history to score 100 home goals (98 at Anfield and 2 at Stamford Bridge).

For the Guinean, he is not surprised by the numbers the former African Player of the Year is racking up, stating that the Reds' star puts in the same level of effort during training as he does on matchdays.

"Mo Salah is the same, he is someone who loves to work," he continued.

"During my time in Liverpool, when I come to the gym one hour before the training alongside [Sadio] Mane, you will always meet him there.

"At training sessions, if he tries to score goals and if he doesn’t score, he is not happy. So that is Mo Salah for you and he is always like that.

"He is a very big player, he always wants to win and he hates defeat, I think that’s his mentality."

If Salah continues his incredible goalscoring form, he could win a fourth Premier League Golden Boot, becoming only the second player after Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to be crowned top scorer more than three times.
 

KONATE CAN SHINE AS VAN DIJK

Ibrahima Konate is currently sidelined from the Liverpool squad due to injury concerns. However, the Champions League winner believes the Frenchman has the potential to be as great as Virgil Van Dijk.

Before his knee injury in a Champions League match against Real Madrid, the 25-year-old had been a regular in Slot’s squad, scoring two goals from his defensive position.

Keita believes Konate has all the potential to be as great as the Dutchman, as long as he stays fit. "As you already know, he is physically big, but above all, he is also technically good.

"He is a kid who has his head on his shoulders. He always tries to improve day by day. I have watched his matches lately and he has improved a lot. 

"Despite the injuries, which are currently slowing him down. I pray for him, so that he avoids injuries, so that he can have a great career with Van Dijk."

According to the injury update provided by the club before their recent match, Konate is expected to be fit again before the end of January 2025.

Keita also revealed that he remains in touch with his former Liverpool teammates, despite leaving the club after his contract expired in 2023, with Van Dijk being his closest contact.

"Of course, we have a WhatsApp group. We still keep it because, at big clubs, they do things like this. We send messages and jokes to each other all the time. So yes, we stay in contact regularly."

Liverpool will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run when they visit West Ham United in London on December 29, before hosting Manchester United on January 5, 2025.