Liverpool fans will be concerned following another below-par performance from Naby Keita during their 4-3 win against Crystal Palace.

The Reds secured all three points against the Eagles courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Liverpool were made to work for their victory with Palace performing admirably away from home. There were plenty of positives to take away for both sides but the performance of Naby Keita will have a few Liverpool fans worried.

Liverpool announced last summer that Keita would arrive at Anfield in August 2018 for a fee of around £58m. After establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, the Kop were excited to add another world-class option to the engine room. However, the Guinea captain has struggled to impose himself in England thus far.

Indeed, Keita’s biggest problem has been finding a suitable role in the Liverpool eleven. The midfielder was perfect for the 4-3-3 system favoured by Jurgen Klopp last season, but the German has often favoured a 4-2-3-1 approach in the current campaign, forcing Keita to operate in an unfamiliar left-wing role. The 23-year-old looked devoid of ideas and confidence against Roy Hodgson’s men before being hooked for Xherdan Shaqiri.

It’s clear that Keita needs to be given a chance to impress in the centre of midfield but evidently, Klopp doesn’t completely trust him in such an important role. With Fabinho becoming a mainstay in the side and Jordan Henderson impressing in recent weeks, breaking into the starting eleven has become extremely difficult. Only in the centre of midfield will Liverpool fans see what the maestro is truly capable of.

Keita is a wonderful footballer and will prove to be key for the Reds – however – it may take some time before he can truly express himself in the Premier League.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?