Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita says he is fully aware of the importance of wearing the number 8 shirt.

The Guinean knows that following in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard will be a huge challenge, but he is keen to realise his dream of making an impact at a big club like the Reds:

“You see the number eight is really legendary and to wear this shirt now it is legendary,” he added. “It used to belong to a player who was a legend, that was respected here.

“When I was a child, that really was in my mind, to play for a great club like Liverpool. Well here I am now, I don’t mean I’m not going to be like him because each of us are individuals.”

Keita is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty which could keep him out for a few weeks.

It’s fair to say that the 23-year-old has work to do to justify his £52.75m price tag after an inconsistent start to life at Anfield.

To help him adapt to life in England, Keita has given himself the target of learning English within the next six months so he can speak with his manager, his teammates and with the press:

“I am following a course, I am really motivated to speak English, it is really important for me,” he said. “I want to be able to speak to the coach, I want to speak to the other players on the team and I am really working hard.”

“I am hoping in six months I will be able to do these interviews in English.”

The former RB Leipzig player has made ten appearances since joining Liverpool, making six starts, but he has yet to get on the scoresheet or provide an assist for his new team.