Andros Townsend became the latest victim of the Naby Keita experience in the first half of Liverpool’s clash with Crystal Palace.
The Palace winger found himself on the receiving end of a sublime piece of skill from Keita, who starred throughout the opening 45 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Keita made himself available to receive a risky pass from Alisson just outside his penalty area, before anticipating Townsend’s presence and flicking the ball beyond the on-rushing winger.
He followed up the turn with a stunning pass to find the run of Mohamed Salah, only for the Egyptian to put too much on his lobbed effort.
It marked the latest reminder of his ability to transform defence into attack within a matter of seconds and a refreshing insight into how quickly he has settled in.
Traditional Naby Keita turn sending Townsend out of the equation. pic.twitter.com/iZabgQApLG
— Sam (@VintageSalah) August 20, 2018
SEE MORE:
Loris Karius is leaving Liverpool on extended loan deal; deal close to completion
Liverpool dominated possession for much of the first half, but struggled to breach a well-drilled Palace defence.
The breakthrough arrived just before half-time when Salah won a penalty are being clumsily brought down by Mamadou Sakho.
James Milner subsequently converted from the spot to hand his side a deserved lead.