31.08.2010 12:49

Keita’s hard work rewarded

Roger Bogunyà

Seydou Keita is the quiet man of the squad, but also one of the most generous and his tireless work in midfield has been key to the team’s success during the Guardiola era.

“Whilst I’m manager, Keita will stay, because he’s the most generous footballer I’ve ever known. He deserves everything”, according to Pep Guardiola, who made the Mali player his first signing as boss, and he backed up those words this Tuesday when Keita signed his contract extension.

Battler who can score too

Keita has shown over the two seasons he’s been at the club that he’s an expert at the less flashy, but still vital spade work in midfield, constantly on the move, tidying up and laying the base for the team’s more creative talents. He’s also demonstrated his skills and goalscoring as well, bagging 12 goals -10 in the league and 2 in Europe- and made a great start to the 2009-10 season with six goals in the first few games.

Key in winning eight titles

Keita’s importance to Guardiola’s team can be seen by his stats over the last two seasons, during which he’s played 92 games and been a key part in the winning of the eight titles they’ve taken over the period. Keita is the first Mali player ever to play for Barca and his impressive physique and ability to win the ball back and spark the creative side of the team has made him a great favourite, not just with his boss, but with the fans too.