Liverpool analysis – Diogo Jota shows what is needed as Naby Keita endgame emerges
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Jota shows urgency
Diogo Jota will never be the most aesthetically pleasing footballer. But the hustle and bustle of the Portuguese – not to mention nuisance value – has become a thing of beauty among Liverpool supporters.
They love a whole-hearted player. And with Jota marrying that with his ability to score and create goals, small wonder he has long been a favourite among the fanbase.
Those qualities have been missed for much of a season the forward has sat out through injury, this Selhurst Park outing only his fifth start of the campaign and his first since returning from the calf problem that kept him out for almost four months.
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While Jota, filling in for the absent Darwin Nunez on the left, was unable to maintain his remarkable record in London – he had previously scored seven goals in nine games in the capital for the Reds – there was sufficient encouragement, hitting the outside of the post with one header and having two other chances when drifting in from the flank.
Liverpool, though, needed more of the urgency shown by Jota. Cody Gakpo, again employed down the centre, began strongly and was again dangerous when dropping deep and running at the opposing defence, but was much quieter after taking two heavy knocks midway through the first half.
Keita coming to an end
It seems an awful long time since Naby Keita properly introduced himself to the Premier League with a moment of classy ingenuity at Selhurst Park.
Back in August 2018, a turn deep inside his own half and subsequent long-range pass straight to the feet of the sprinting Mohamed Salah was a compelling calling card that hinted at promise to come.
Of course, it hasn’t quite worked out that way for the Guinean, playing out the remaining months of his contract still as much an enigma as he was when arriving for £52.75million from RB Leipzig.
But with Liverpool’s ongoing midfield issues exposed against Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp having long shown himself willing to use players soon out of contract, Keita was given a chance here in only his 13th appearance of another injury-hampered season.
It would be charitable to state the evening proved somewhat unlucky for the 28-year-old, who coughed up possession too cheaply during the first half, didn’t use it well and then committed a succession of needless fouls having already been booked for a daft tug on Michael Olise.
Keita was by no means the only Liverpool player to fall way below his best during a dismal opening 45 minutes. But having been hooked at the interval, you wonder how many more opportunities Klopp will now offer. Keita’s Anfield career is ending with a whimper.
Klopp given hope
One of the many criticisms aimed at Liverpool this season has been their squad being allowed to become a bit too long in the tooth.
And with the Reds looking for a response to matters on Tuesday, Klopp certainly turned to experience here.
The starting line-up had made a combined 2,427 appearances for the Reds ahead of the game, the most by a starting XI under Klopp. The last to have as many was back in May 2013 against Everton, which was also the final time both Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher started a Reds game together.
Jordan Henderson and James Milner were the elder statesmen this time and were dependable enough in helping ensure Liverpool’s Champions League horror show didn’t overly impact a domestic revival that has now edged the Reds up to seventh.
Klopp’s side still have much work to do to bridge the gap to the top four. But if there is one chink of light, it’s that they were able to dig out a result when not playing well. Needs must right now.
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