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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

'Pulling the strings' - Liverpool fans praise 'under the radar' player performance vs Watford

Mohamed Salah is understandably grabbing the headlines after Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of Watford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Egyptian scored the Reds fourth of the afternoon and assisted Mane's opener in the first half in what was a captivating display at Vicarage Road.

Jurgen Klopp faced a selection dilemma prior to kick-off as both Fabinho and Alisson were unavailable after the international break.

Liverpool were light in midfield with Thiago sidelined with a calf injury and Curtis Jones also out injured.

READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings as Mohamed Salah ridiculous at Watford

MOTM: Tell us who was your star player for Liverpool against Watford

Naby Keita and James Milner stepped in and both put in strong displays, Keita's earned him plenty of recognition among supporters.

It was the 26-year-old's first 90 minutes of the season and his seventh appearance in all competitions.

Keita scored in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Crystal Palace last month, but fans felt this was one of his more assured displays amid a difficult three seasons at Anfield so far.

The Guinea international made just 10 Premier League appearances last term and injuries have certainly hindered his progress under Klopp.

Flashes of quality are often followed by periods of absence and he's never quite hit a consistent run of form.

So far this season, Keita has been absent from just one matchday squad in Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Brentford in September.

Should he stay fit, this could certainly be his most effective and impressive season at Liverpool since his arrival in the summer of 2018.

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