Liverpool vs Everton: ‘A joy to watch’ Naby Keita impresses during first 45

Liverpool fans are impressed by Naby Keita.

The Guinea international was picked by Jurgen Klopp to the start the game and he hasn’t let anyone down.

Liverpool might have gone in goalless at the break but Naby Keita was doing his best to make sure that wasn’t the case.

Just before the end of the first half, the midfielder burst forward and exchanged some great passes with Takumi Minamino – who started the game on the left.

There weren’t many chances at either end of the field. Roberto Firmino dragged one wide from outside the box, while Richarlison couldn’t make the most of his chance.

The Everton forward was running his mouth before the game, but has precious little to write home about his performance.

There had been plenty of speculation during the week about what midfield Klopp would pick. Keita had been playing well during the build-up to the restart and he was rewarded with a place in the side.

Klopp sprung some other surprises, too. Joel Matip started in place of Joe Gomez next to Virgil van Dijk, while Andy Robertson was left out of the first team and James Milner took his place.

The pace was certainly down on what we’re used to, but that can be explained by the lack of a proper preparation. With a lack of runs in behind, and Minamino and Roberto Firmino coming short to see action, Everton looked fairly comfortable.

Keita has been doing his best to change things, and when he’s on the form the former RB Leipzig man is exactly the sort of player who can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and transform things.

Stay tuned for the second half, because it’s sure to get really interesting the long it goes on and the more Liverpool start hunting for that goal!