Liverpool 4-0 West Ham: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis, Premier League 2018/19

#4 Liverpool's midfield setup stumps West Ham

Naby Keita had an impressive debut for the Reds

It might have come as a slight surprise when the Liverpool Starting XI did not involve their new signing Fabinho at the base of the midfield. But those that were selected in the middle of the park did a fine job for Jurgen Klopp, as that was where the match was won.

It was an interesting setup from Klopp as well, as it started off as a typical 4-3-3, but went on to evolve into different shapes as the game went on. This might just be a method for Klopp to counter teams sitting back and trying to absorb all the pressure that Liverpool put on them.

Gini Wijnaldum was evidently the man tasked with being the deepest lying in midfield, although he didn't have too much to do in a defensive sense. James Milner and Naby Keita weren't the typical midfielders you'd have been used to seeing in a 4-3-3 system.

Keita was almost given the free run to do whatever he pleased like doing. He was all over the pitch, and his ability on the ball, coupled with his close control ensured there was a torrid time for Mark Noble all afternoon. But perhaps the most interesting arrow in Liverpool's quiver on the day was the role that Milner played.

He barely found himself in a central position, and that allowed the likes of Salah and Mane to push further in-field and closer to goal. Milner moving wide also ensured that there was a helping hand for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who didn't have the most convincing game for Liverpool.

Whether this is a permanence from Klopp, or just a system chosen to suit the needs on the day remains to be seen. But it certainly has the potential to be a lethal weapon for Klopp to use.