Jurgen Klopp was delighted with the performance of Naby Keita against Bournemouth, which followed on from a very promising second-half v West Ham.
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(Video) Alternative angle shows Naby Keita pass in all its glory in lead up to Mo Salah goal
The manager has suggested that Keita, who has now started our past four games, his best run in the team since arriving, is an automatic pick in midfield at the moment.
“Hendo maybe could have played. Adam (Lallana) could have played again but it was clear that Naby was pretty much one of the first on the teamsheet but for different reasons,” Klopp told the Telegraph.
“Rhythm….
“You need a good performance. The second half against West Ham was good, the first half wasn’t that good but the second half was really good,” the manager continued, in a different interview with Liverpoolfc.com.
“If you fall into a little hole you have to make sure you get out by yourself. That’s what he did in the second half at West Ham and it was clear this game would be the next step for him.
“It was really nice to see that game and see how the people appreciate it. He is in a lot of situations, passing these little balls through a really tight midfield. It’s just good. And there’s a lot more to come. That was a good one.”
We’re over the moon that Keita appears to have finally arrived at the party…
His best position is not an advanced one, or from the left – but in a deeper role where he can pick up lots of the ball and play or run it forward.
With Gini Wijnaldum and Fabinho in midfield alongside Keita, we look very strong.
In fact, this is the trio we’d go with against Manchester United, our next Premier League fixture.
Klopp has a history of picking James Milner and Jordan Henderson versus big sides, especially away from home – but this season – it’s rarely worked.
We really hope he sticks with the side that did so brilliantly on Saturday afternoon.