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Growing up in Conakry, Naby Keita would always take on the role of the Kop icon he describes as “the boss”.

Whether it was an impromptu kick-around with his mates on the streets of Guinea's capital or an organised game, Liverpool's new midfield dynamo would attempt to re-create the heroics of arguably the greatest player in the club's history.

“I'm a midfielder and Steven Gerrard was always the boss of the team so it had to be him,” he smiled.

“As a kid I used to play in the streets wearing a Liverpool shirt. It couldn't be anyone else but Steven Gerrard when I played. I wanted to be like him.”

That dream to follow in Gerrard's footsteps has become a reality following his £52.75million move to Anfield from RB Leipzig.

Keita, who was just 10 years old when Gerrard inspired the Miracle of Istanbul, has inherited his idol's No 8 shirt. It's symbolic in more ways than one.

“Going back to my childhood, eight is a number I always liked,” he said.

“It's also the number my dad wore when he played football so it's special to me. He was never fortunate to play professionally but he played at a decent amateur level in Guinea.

(Image: John Powell)

“I am aware that it's a big number here at Liverpool and I am very excited to wear it. I know it was Steven's number but I am not going to put any extra pressure on myself. What I am focusing on is performing well for this club and contributing for this team.”

When Keita travelled to Melwood to complete the formalities of the transfer he was blown away to discover that Gerrard was waiting to greet him. Nobody else had worn that shirt since Gerrard brought the curtain down on his illustrious Anfield career in 2015.

“It was a surprise to me. They had suggested to me wearing that particular number but when I came here that day I didn't know that Steven would be at Melwood,” he said.

“It was a big shock. It was exciting to be presented with the shirt by him.

I had watched Steven Gerrard growing up as a kid and admired him so that was a special day.

(Image: AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES)

“Steven said 'everyone will be here for you, we're all going to help you develop'. I am here to learn and grow as a player.”

Over the course of a half hour interview conducted in French at Anfield ahead of Liverpool's pre-season tour of America, Keita often speaks about his father Sekou.

He was the driving force behind Keita taking the leap from West Africa to Europe as a youngster. He was just 16 when he headed to France in search of a club.

“My dad gave me a lot of advice from a young age,” he said.

“He has always taken a big interest in my career. He was never part of the coaching team, he just used to be there as a fan.

“He would be very excited on the touchline, shouting instructions. He would always shout 'drop deep... move forward' or whatever. Even to this day he will call and give me feedback about my performances and what he thinks I can improve on.

“Since I signed for Liverpool my dad has spoken to me a lot about how much he loved them. He had that love of Liverpool back when I was just 11 or 12 years old.”

His father nicknamed him Deco after the classy Portugal international. However, Andres Iniesta was the continental midfielder that Keita looked up to.

“It was funny because my dad loved Deco as a player and started calling me it around the house,” he said.

“I always admired Deco but my overall favourite player would be Iniesta because of his final ball, his skill and his ability.

“I know he is not known for his aggression but that is something I have added to my game, even if it is not one of his traits. I think as a midfielder you need to have that aggression as part of your game.”

(Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Perseverance is another of Keita's traits. He was turned away by a number of French clubs before Ligue Two outfit FC Istres signed him up in 2013.

His career took off with former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier taking him to Red Bull Salzburg after just one season.

Two years later he was lighting up the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Jurgen Klopp was desperate to bring him to Anfield ahead of the 2017/18 campaign but in the end the Reds had to settle for doing a deal for him to join this summer instead.

He's the second Guinean to represent Liverpool following Titi Camara's short stint at Anfield in the late 1990s.

“I never gave up,” Keita said.

“My long-term aim has always been to play football at the highest level I possibly could for a big club.

“When that is in your mind you don't give up, you constantly fight and battle to make that happen.

“But that isn't to say that now I am at a massive club I am going to relax and stop fighting and battling. I am still going to be the same.

“I know that Titi played here when I was a kid. Gerard was manager here and he spoke to me a lot about my football development when we were at Red Bull.

“I bumped into him when we played Marseille in the Europa League last season. He had gone to watch the match and he spoke to me about Liverpool. He told me it was a massive move and now it was in my hands to make it a success. He told me 'do everything you possibly can, establish yourself'.”

Last season wasn't easy for Keita. After coming to terms with the fact that Leipzig were adamant he had to stay for one final year, he didn't hit the same heights as in 2016/17.

There were some disciplinary issues along the way but that's all in the past and he's relishing this new chapter.

His outstanding performance in Thursday's 2-0 friendly win at Blackburn Rovers showcased exactly what he will bring to Klopp's side.

(Image: THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP/Getty Images)

“Once I got my head right and accepted that I was still a Leipzig player I just got on with things and enjoyed last season,” he said.

“Obviously Liverpool were doing great things in the Champions League but I got the chance to play in the Champions League too.

“I think I might have been a little bit unfortunate with a couple of the red cards I got for Leipzig. They were not for losing my discipline or anything like that.

“It was just tackles that were judged to be a little bit stronger than they were. It is something I need to be aware of but part of my game is winning the ball back and that is all I was trying to do.”

Keita will inject dynamism, energy and a real creative spark into Liverpool's midfield. The physicality of the Premier League holds no fears for him.

"I don’t think the physical aspect is going to have a negative impact on me at all," he said.

"I have watched a lot of English football and through the process of the friendly games leading up to the new season, I'll adjust to it. I like winning the ball back. It’s something I love.

"I am someone who has this real winning mentality. I have a huge desire to win. That is why I am aggressive in a positive sense on the field.

"My first mind-set when I am out on the field is to defend well and not concede. As a midfielder, when you have sealed things up at the back, my job is to provide the ammunition for the strikers and forwards, to create opportunities for them.

"Also, if I get a chance that come my way, I want to take it and score. But I am a team player. I think about the team and the group first always."