4 reasons why Liverpool are the team to beat this season

#3 An upgraded midfield

2 games in, Keita has already made considerable impact for the Reds

The departure of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last summer prompted questions about whether the Red's creativity in midfield would be compromised. Fortunately for them, they did not need much in that department thanks to a superlative season from Mohamed Salah.

Any doubts as to whether that will once again become a factor have been put to bed, not through the same channels but from a completely different angle. The procurement of Naby Keita has added a new dimension to the team, something they had very little of last season, except for the occasional performances from Emre Can - physicality.

Playing in the central midfield of 3, Naby Keita allows one of the other two to be permanently involved in attack, much like Kante does to Chelsea. Once Jordan Henderson gets back to fitness, Keita can become even more involved in the attacking side of things, thereby freeing the front 3 even more.