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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Caoimhe O'Neill

The one incident proves Naby Keita's growing importance to Liverpool's title charge

Naby Keita continued to show his worth for Liverpool in Sunday's victory over Chelsea at Anfield.

It was the Guinea international's third start in as many games highlighting his growing influence in this title-charging team.

The midfielder - who scored his first two goals for the club last week - showed composure during the moments which followed the Reds bursting into a two-goal lead. 

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Naby Keita and N'Golo Kante during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

 

Sadio Mane leaped up to score a header and Mohamed Salah followed this up instantaneously with a glorious 30-yard strike.

But after finding themselves 2-0 down, Chelsea rallied.

Mohamed Salah's best 11 goals for Liverpool - vote for your favourite 

Maurizio Sarri's team searched for a way back into the match immediately and created some clearcut chances.

Eden Hazard went close to finding the net twice in the space of two minutes. The Belgian latched onto a fine over the top ball from David Luiz but was unable to convert as he hit the post.

Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds off Naby Keita of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on April 14 (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The playmaker had another massive chance moments later but the Reds' goalkeeper Alisson was equal to it.

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During this chaotic spell Liverpool struggled to regain a foothold in the game.

And Keita's calm response to the frantic moments was not only a defining factor of the clash, but also an example of his growing confidence in the middle of the park.

This is when the former RB Leipzig man stepped up to bring a touch of tranquility to the enfolding chaos.

As the ball arrived at his feet, the 24-year-old ordered his team-mates to stay calm. Keita, who was in space, relaxed in possession before waving his arms in a calming motion.

After briefly toying with N'Golo Kante the ball was then dispatched backwards by the No.8.

The moments which show Liverpool's most underappreciated world-class player proving his worth - again 

Not only did this moment prove Keita's growing confidence, but proved the midfielder's increasing importance to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

A team who with each passing game are moving closer to ending a 29-year league title drought.

And a player whose impressive cameo's are having a real impact.

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