Keita answers Liverpool’s call

– Naby Keita (above) has started to show he can add creativity to Liverpool’s midfield but Juergen Klopp may question his squad’s strength in depth despite securing two Premier League wins in four days.

Klopp is likely to revert to his tried-and-trusted first choices at Bournemouth today, having been a little lucky on Wednesday to emerge with a 3-1 win at Burnley after making seven changes to his line-up.

There were good reasons for so many changes – the match came hot on the heels of Sunday’s dramatic late derby victory over Everton, at the start of a frantic month that features home games against Napoli, Manchester United and Arsenal.

In addition, full-back Andy Robertson and forward Sadio Mane were injured, and so Klopp would have had to shuffle his players around even if rotation had not been on his mind.

Yet Liverpool were second-best for the opening hour at Turf Moor against opponents without a victory since September 30, and only turned the match around in the final 30 minutes, when Klopp brought on Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. It was evidence of just how important Salah, Firmino and Sane are to the Liverpool cause, even if they have not been at their best this season.

During Liverpool’s struggles on Wednesday, though, the performance of Keita did give Klopp reason to be positive.

The Guinean midfielder’s impact has been restricted by injury problems since his arrival from RB Leipzig in July but he is starting to look at home in the English game. His creativity is likely to be crucial, given that Liverpool have been short of such a player following the departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January and because of the long-term knee injury suffered by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in April.

Of the seven players brought into the starting line-up by Klopp at Burnley, Keita made the strongest case to retain his place at Bournemouth. He showed he was willing to fight for the ball and also provided forward impetus. – AFP

Bournemouth

In his overall play he is comfortable on the ball and he helps build up play from the back.

Jordan Henderson Liverpool captain