Liverpool recorded an impressive, routine win in Belgium on Wednesday night. The Reds ran out 4-1 winners against Belgian champions Genk. There were goals from Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and a brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to help Jürgen Klopp’s side to a convincing away victory in the Champions League. The gaffer shuffled the midfield to provide more attacking threat and it paid off. A strong performance from Naby Keita means he simply has to start against Spurs.
Liverpool agreed a deal to sign Keita from RB Leipzig for £48m in the summer of 2017. Since arriving at Anfield the following summer, the Guinean midfielder has failed to hold down a place in the first team. His inability to get a run of games is largely down to an unfortunate run of injuries. Keita hasn’t managed to start in the Premier League this season owing to a muscle injury picked up over the summer, he got his first domestic league minutes over the weekend as he came on for the last 10 against Manchester United.
On Wednesday night Jürgen Klopp lined up with his most offensive midfield of the season, opting for Fabinho behind Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. With the Reds approach play lacking creativity all season, this was the lineup Kopites were screaming for and it delivered with aplomb. Keita – valued at £45m by Transfermarkt – was tenacious and determined in the tackle throughout the game, he was also full of ideas and always looking to move the ball on quickly. This is precisely what Liverpool have been missing this season.
With the Reds facing a tough test against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, we will need all the creativity we can muster. Naby Keita simply has to start against Spurs, however, with the Guinean having played the full 90 minutes against Genk his fitness could be a barrier.
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