The player that Liverpool need in order to sustain a legitimate title race

Liverpool have gotten off to a brilliant domestic start this season, but to compete with Manchester City Naby Keïta must play an integral role.

Keïta represents the pure athleticism and creativity that Liverpool’s midfield has lacked. He can provide a burst up the pitch, thus promoting advanced play and creating more offensive opportunities.

This would all be originating from the centre of the park, where the Reds have struggled to create offence from early in the season.

The Guinea international’s recent play spurred on such ideas, as he put on a nice display at Turf More during the Red’s midweek bout against Burnley, in which they came away victorious to the tune of 3-1. He also performed well at the weekend at the Vitality, where Liverpool won 4-0.

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Fans have reacted well to Keïta’s play, as he has shown a multitude of signs of brilliance such as his  two consecutive nutmegs which sparked an attack.

There were a plentiful amount of such plays in the midweek match, as well. Namely, he was able to intercept an errant pass, dribble to the corner of the box and unfurl a blistering shot, which the goalkeeper, Joe Hart, forced wide of the goal then glancing off of the woodwork and out of play.

Examples such as these portray exactly why Keïta is so very integral to what Klopp hopes to accomplish this year.

The former RB Leipzig man is an asset and that cannot be overlooked. However, it should be noted that Keïta had a strong start to the season, but slowed down and then was injured.

His recent form harkens back to the early success that he experienced against West Ham and Crystal Palace. Brilliant moments were interspersed within an overall solid game of play.

It will be up to him to be able to create such glowing moments on a more regular basis, then he can live up to his star potential.

With the startling development that Liverpool has overtaken Manchester City, at least for the time being, the race between the two Premier League superpowers will be intense and lively.

Klopp needs Keïta’s contributions in order to sustain this lead and, more likely, to keep up with City. The former Champions will maintain a torrid pace throughout the season and will not cease.

That is precisely the reason why Keïta is such an asset to this club. He can elevate the squad to another level with the presence he provides for the midfield.

The Reds cannot pull such an unforeseen and legitimate title run out of thin air without the assistance of a club operating at full throttle.