Wakaso: Mali’s Seydou Keita is ‘a normal player for me’

Jan 24, 2013 9:31:00 AM

The Espanyol midfielder is not ruling out the influence of the former Barcelona player on the Malian side, but believes he can be contained by the Black Stars

Ghana international Mubarak Wakaso has played down any threat from Mali captain Seydou Keita as the Eagles face the Black Stars on Thursday afternoon.

The Espanyol winger said the former Barcelona star cannot intimidate them because he knows his style of play, despite his pedigree in the profession.

“You mention Keita [Seydou]. I have played with him in Spain. He is a normal player for me even though he is good,” Wakaso told the media.

“For me the most important thing to do on the pitch is to do the job that my coach has given me to help the team win.”

The 22-year-old reminded his team-mates to remain focused since a win is crucial in their quest to annex a fifth continental trophy in South Africa.

He said: “I don’t think about their side, although we are playing against them. They also have to think about us.

“What we need to do is to concentrate on our own even but we still need to think about them but we have to concentrate on us first.”