A case of nearly but not quite as Naby Keita again fails to take his chances in Liverpool's victory over Crystal Palace By Dominic King for MailOnline Published: 18:11 GMT, 19 January 2019 | Updated: 18:12 GMT, 19 January 2019 146 shares 87 Viewcomments 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 turn to him again, picking him in the Premier League for the first time since December 22. Had time on the sidelines sparked the improvement Klopp had hoped? The blunt answer was no. Keita started with purpose, exchanging a one-two with Fabinho after 52 seconds and attempting to drive towards Palace's penalty area, but he was blocked off. So began the pattern of his afternoon. The Guinean could only get in the way of the better-placed Andrew Robertson for a volley Everything he tried, like much of his time at Liverpool so far, was nearly but not quite. A clipped ball to Sadio Mane in the 10th minute? A yard short of perfection. A chance to run at Aaron Wan-Bissaka after a ball from Jordan Henderson? A toe to the ball but not enough to get away from the defender. The more Keita tried, the more things started to conspire against him. He wanted to smash a volley in the 28th minute but ended up getting in the way of the better positioned Andrew Robertson; when Virgil van Dijk ushered him forward in the 28th minute, James Tomkins slid in to rob him. These things can happen to a player but more concerning were the gestures from Klopp and Van Dijk, at different points in the first half, telling him to impose himself on the contest. The inference was clear: do not wait for things to happen. When Keita was urged to drive forward, he was dispossessed by James Tomkins But that's what exactly he did. Keita's stride became shorter, his touches less frequent. As Liverpool staged a dramatic comeback, he was on the periphery and it was no surprise when Xherdan Shaqiri eventually replaced him. It would be too soon to say his signing has failed but one thing is certain: after 17 games, no goals and a solitary assist, Liverpool expected more for their investment. The next time Keita is seen in public - and it could be against Leicester owing to Fabinho's late injury - he needs to step it up. Klopp has publicly backed the midfielder but could be seen gesturing at him during the match Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility