Some Liverpool fans have been sticking up for Naby Keita following his early substitution in midweek.

The Reds were wretched on Tuesday evening, losing 3-1 to Real Madrid to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, ahead of next week's second leg at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp's men were disappointing throughout the night in Spain, but their first half showing was particularly bad, with the team seemingly incapable of stringing few passes together and being completely outplayed by the home side.

Someone who struggled more than most was Keita, who played a negative role in Liverpool losing the midfield battle prior to being hooked before half-time.

It was a moment which again clouded the Guinean's future, with the 26-year-old constantly finding himself struggling to get going at Anfield.

Speaking in his pre-Aston Villa press conference on Friday, however (via quotes shared by James Pearce on Twitter), Klopp played down the incident, saying there is no issue between him and Keita.

Liverpool fans show faith in Keita

Here's how some Liverpool supporters reacted on Twitter to Klopp's defence of Keita as they too stuck up for the midfielder and showed faith in him.

"So he’s not finished then? I was told by Twitter he’d never kick a ball for us again?"

Credit: @JohnMcMah0n

"I don’t understand why people are cancelling Keita, He is a baller bro! Just injury prone. Literally like Matip, he is great defender just injuries mess him up"

Credit: @Gabriel_Onas

"Start him vs Villa..."

Credit: @NoDarkSarkasm

"Don’t be surprised if Naby starts tomorrow and Gini or Thiago are rested"

Credit: @bigjlfc

"Good, don’t do it again Jurgen"

Credit: @dongeo80sbaby

"Think we will see the best of Naby next season"

Credit: @JohnnyfField

"Mugged him off completely..."

Credit: @F9Txrres

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with another move for an exciting young European player. Find out who it is here.