15 - Seydou Keita

[M.L. King]

Name: Seydou Keita
Position: Midfielder
Place of Birth: Bamako (Mali)
Date: 16-01-1980
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 77 kg

Born in Bamako (Mali) in 1980, Seydou Keita began to make a name for himself in European football in the French league. He signed for Olympic Marseilles in 1999/2000 but only stayed for one year without having had much luck. He moved to Lorient where he spent two seasons and the French Cup. Then it was on to Lens where he played for five seasons between 2003/04 and 2006/07. His final season was spectacular and he scored eleven goals in 37 league games and was named Ligue 1’s second best player behind Florent Malouda.

After eight years in France, Keita signed for Seville in the summer of 2007 and was almost an ever-present during the 2007/08 season. He played in 31 of a possible 38 games, starting 29 of them. He scored four goals and these showed that, amongst other qualities, he packs a powerful shot from distance.

Seydou Keita has been a full international for Mali since 2004. With ‘the Eagles’ he played in the 2008 African Cup of Nations but Mali was eliminated in the first round.

However, his career with his national side began at a young age and with good results. In fact, Keita won the balon d’or as best player in the U-20 World Cup in Nigeria in 1999. Mali finished third in the competition, which was won by a Spain side that included Xavi Hernández.
(fcbarcelona.com)

[Bojan]

Will be at disposal for todays game vs. Valladolid. We need him in his Sevilla form as soon as possible

[barSELOna]

? cant forget his goal against real madrid or Casillas

[M.L. King]

He's been quite disappointing in all the matches he has played so far. Hopefully, his form will took a steep way towards the one from Seville. We need his quick pace in the midfield.

[Bardh]

I haven't seen anything special from him yet. But he's a very good asset.

[M.L. King]

A solid performances, some nice moves. He reminded a little bit of that old Keite. Pity Eto'o didn't pass him when he was all alone in front of the goal. It's time for him to score finally and show his true value. His long legs are so useful, I mean he is like a spider and can reach any ball he wants. If he and Yaya get a mutual understanding on the ground we would have one of the best midfielder duo. His fitness is still a little bit shaky though. I expect him somewhere in the middle of December to reach his top form; of course only if he plays more constantly.

[Bojan]

Came in and scored. And he wasn`t even supposed to be there if Toure hadn`t hit his head.

[M.L. King]

Nice to see him finally scoring for Barca; I was waiting for that goal. Well done Seydou.

[Bojan]

And scored again tonight. Just about only positive news from this match is that Keita found his Seville form.

[M.L. King]

I'm glad he and Yaya pose a great duo in the midfield.

[FCBNOF]

Solid with Yaya in midfield, only if we could throw them together alongside Iniesta our midfield will make killer runs, xavi can't be an AMF.

[barSELOna]

? couldnt see Keita without goal yesterday ! ?'ve told that before he is a back up .

[M.L. King]

He made some nice tackles and brought stability in the game when it was most needed.

[FCB-Michael]

Hope to see Keita start tonight although I see that the press are favoring Busquets.

[hendryrusli]

I believe Keita will start tonight. Basquet will come in after half time.