Naby Keita earned the right to start for Liverpool against Chelsea with his performance against Wolves. The player could leave in the summer.
Liverpool have an enormous Premier League game coming up – but then, they all are now. They’ll host a struggling Chelsea side, knowing that victory could propel spirits at Anfield.
Above all, though, they need a good performance. Liverpool have been awful at controlling games this season, unable to maintain possession or make it difficult for opponents to play their way.
That’s largely been down to midfield. Liverpool look tired and there are consistent gaps for teams to play through. The press isn’t there, either, while playing out from the back has been a nightmare at times.
Liverpool do need to buy a new midfielder – or three – but for now, they’ve got to find answers within their squad. And perhaps one of them popped up on Tuesday evening.
Naby Keita for Liverpool vs Chelsea
Naby Keita started for the Reds against Wolves in their FA Cup 3rd Round replay. It was, shockingly, his first start since May. That’s how difficult this season has been for the Guinean.
It was a good one, though. Liverpool looked far more solid, with Keita playing alongside Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago. All three played well and all three have a case to play against Chelsea.
Starting Keita in back-to-back games might be a risk, given his fitness record, but we think Jurgen Klopp should go for it. The player offered a lot of what Liverpool were missing with his display against Wolves.
Per the Athletic, he ended up with six tackles and passed at 83 per cent – the latter figure looking pretty good for a more advanced midfielder. That kind of steel and willingness to take chances just hasn’t been there this season.
We know that Klopp is a big fan when Keita is at his best and he’s called him ‘incredible’ in the past. While the player is available and looking good, Liverpool should take advantage. And that starts with Chelsea.
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