Exclusive Interview: Naby Keita on RB Leipzig's sensational Bundesliga debut

While they may have relinquished top spot in the Bundesliga at the weekend with a shock defeat to Ingolstadt, now second to Bayern by virtue of goal difference alone, there’s still no denying that RB Leipzig’s rise has been one of the biggest stories in Germany, and indeed Europe this season. Key to their remarkable success thus far has been summer signing Naby Keita.

The Guinean midfielder has been one of the star players in the German top-flight this season, earning the fourth highest rating from WhoScored.com. A score 7.70 is even enough to lead the way of all players in Europe’s top 5 leagues aged 21 or under, highlighting just how much potential Keita has. For now, however, he’s remaining grounded and modest when discussing his role in RB Leipzig’s campaign so far, as was clear when he spoke exclusively to WhoScored.com ahead of a big game with Hertha Berlin.

Given that you transferred between clubs in the Red Bull franchise, do you feel the move was slightly more straightforward to make than your previous transfers?

I consider my transfer to RB Leipzig as a fantastic opportunity, an extra step in my career. I was seduced by the project of a team with very exciting ambitions and by the idea of evolving in the domestic league of the world champions.

The club was only promoted last season so are you at all surprised by the start you have made or the quality that’s within the squad?

We have made a very interesting start to the season, and we know that it is not at all easy to adapt to the Bundesliga. We are therefore very proud of our progress so far, but we are aware that only our ranking at the end of the season will count for anything. That's what our coach is telling us.

The manager has played down your chances of a European finish in the past but after such a strong start how far do you feel this team can go this season?

It is only at the end of the season that the final points tally will be important. If the season stopped today we would be Europe next season but we still have about 20 games left and we know that our opponents will be much more determined against us now. We felt that against Ingolstadt.

RB Leipzig is not a popular club with many neutrals in Germany given its beginnings so do you feel there is extra pressure from the opposition fans each week and if so how do you overcome it?

Pressure is part of high-level football. We need to see this pressure as a driving force, a positive factor that must allow us to do our best to earn the trust and support of our fans.

You scored the winner in club’s first ever home game in the Bundesliga, and against Dortmund no less, but your solo goal against Werder Bremen was also a special one. Which would you say is your favourite moment in an RB Leipzig shirt so far?

It is true that the goal against Dortmund was important, as was the goal against Werder Bremem. As long as my efforts allow my team to win, I will be happy. The main thing for me is to be useful to my team, not necessarily to score goals.

You boast WhoScored strengths of tackling, passing and ball interception - would you agree with that assessment or do you think there is another aspect of your game that is strongest?

The quality of passing and the skill to intercept are essential qualities in the modern game, so I try to improve every day to put my attackers in the best positions and to protect my defence. This is what our coach wants from his midfielders.

Are there any particular areas of your game that you feel you need to work on the most?

I am still young and I am here to learn and progress. I have to work on several aspects of my game in order to have a wider skillset. My range of passing, anticipation and aerial play are aspects that I want to improve.

Statistics have a greater influence in football now more than ever in the past - do you often check your stats to see how you can improve?

I do not think specifically about my statistics. Our collective performances are the only ones that make it possible to highlight the contribution of each player. At the end of the season, we will see where that gets us. The most important statistics will be those that will allow us to maintain our current performances as the season draws on.

You were linked with a Premier League move before securing a switch to RB Leipzig - what influenced your decision to move to Germany?

I was attracted by the opportunity to play an important role in the RB Leipzig project and to play in Germany. Today, I am very happy with my choice.

Is a move to England still something that may interest you in the future?

For the moment, my future lies in Germany, at RB Leipzig. I feel good here. The Premier League is very interesting, with high profile clubs, but right now my future is here with Leipzig.

Which players did you look up to as a youngster and are there any players in your position, past or present, that you feel you emulate in terms of style?

Pascal Feindouno was my idol. I was also a big fan of players like Pirlo, Guardiola, Kroos and Modric. I like players that are useful to their teams first and foremost. If in addition they are elegant, then I consider them the very best.

You were named as WhoScored.com's Bundesliga player of the month for October and have continued to play a crucial role. Do you feel that you are playing the best football of your career at present?

I'm in a good period of my career, it's clear. This is due to the welcome that RB Leipzig and the supporters have reserved for me. I know I have a lot to learn and a lot to bring to my team. I keep working because only hard work and effort pays off. I think the my best football is still ahead of me.