Naby Keita could change everything after keeping Liverpool promise

It has been a common trend since the March international break for Jurgen Klopp to alternate between Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita as Liverpool continue to challenge for an unprecedented quadruple. If one starts one game, he has predominantly found himself back on the bench next time out.

With the Reds skipper starting against Villarreal against midweek, it was therefore no surprise to see the Guinean recalled when the teamsheet to face Newcastle United dropped on Saturday morning. What was perhaps more of a surprise was the players to make way, with Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara instead the men dropping out as Klopp rested their legs.

Fans were inevitably unsure about the engine room trio selected in their place, with James Milner making up the triumvirate alongside Henderson and Keita. But history suggested they need not have worried.

After all, the Keita x Henderson x Milner axis trio were present when Liverpool thrashed both Watford and Manchester United 5-0 back in the Autumn, along with the 3-2 away win at Atletico Madrid. While they didn’t have things entirely their own way in Spain, the trio is perhaps a throwback to earlier Reds engine rooms where Klopp’s men would rule by steamrolling sides that lay before them.

It has been a different story in recent weeks with Thiago’s influence growing. His passing accuracy of 92%, 96%, 98% and 96% against Man City, Manchester United, Everton and Villarreal highlighting how Liverpool have added a string to their bow and now look to control games with the Spaniard their chief composer.

But in his absence against Newcastle, Keita was unleashed and allowed to flourish.

Getting forward at will against the Magpies, the midfielder showed brilliant vision and composure to open the