By Dominic King for MailOnline
Published: 18:11 GMT, 19 January 2019 | Updated: 18:12 GMT, 19 January 2019
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On a balmy night in South London, when Liverpool and Crystal Palace last went head-to-head, there was a glimmer in Jurgen Klopp's midfield of something special.
Naby Keita, new to the demands of the English game, took a pass deep inside his own half from goalkeeper Alisson Becker and without breaking stride performed a turn that was straight out Johan Cruyff's repertoire to flummox Andros Townsend.
He had performed so well on his debut against West Ham and built on the good impression at Selhurst Park.
Naby Keita struggled to influence proceedings for Liverpool in a case of nearly but not quite
Klopp had spent £52million to secure his services from RB Leipzig and the snap judgement was money well spent.
Time, though, can change the picture and the subsequent months have not been kind to the Guinea international.
There have been fitness issues but, more than anything, his form has tailed off to the point that Klopp was forced to confront the issue earlier this month.
'He's a fantastic player,' Klopp insisted before adding: 'But he is still learning.'
Keita had been selected by Jurgen Klopp for his first Premier League game since December 22
Keita had become a bit part performer during Liverpool's surge to the top of the table but, with Palace back in town, his manager felt compelled to
