Liverpool moved closer to breaking Manchester City’s record for most points in a single Premier League campaign with a 3-1 win against Brighton on Wednesday evening.The Reds were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson, and Salah notched his 19th goal in the league late on.Salah was named Man of the Match, which wasn’t surprising considering his tangible impact, but Liverpool fans were also mightily impressed with Naby Keita’s performance.The Guinean produced one of his best displays in a Liverpool shirt before coming off on the hour mark.He created Salah’s first goal by pressing Brighton’s Davy Propper and then dispossessing him. Minutes later, the 25-year-old started the move that led to Henderson making it 2-0.
Keita created four chances and had seven ball recoveries, to go with his assist.His individual highlights from the game have emerged, and Liverpool fans are now wondering whether they need to sign Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara.
Thiago has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield, and his cheap price makes him a worthwhile signing.
But if Keita can continue to impress, then it makes the need to sign Thiago less pressing.
Klopp was delighted by Keita’s display and insisted the midfielder is improving.
"He is getting better and better, step by step and game by game and that's really cool," the Liverpool boss said, per Yahoo Sports.
"I am really happy about that. Long may it continue, let me say it like this. When him and the boys stay fit then everything is fine with the quality they have, the way we play suits them.
"Tonight, being a player like Naby but winning these balls, as the coach I am I couldn't be happier about these kind of goals. Everybody is involved in that and I am really grateful for seeing things like this."
GIVEMESPORT’s Scott Wilson says:
Liverpool fans have long-awaited a consistent stretch of impressive showings from Keita and he’s now provided two assists in two games.
He offers something that no other Liverpool midfielder can, with his slick, high-energised approach, and it must excite Klopp to know he can probably expect more from Keita next season.
However, the opportunity to sign a class midfielder like Thiago for a cut-price fee shouldn’t be ignored.
The best teams are always looking to strengthen and to allow Thiago to move to any other club, in the Premier League or elsewhere, would be a blow to Klopp.