[ad_pod ]

Liverpool kept their European dreams alive on Tuesday night with a well-deserved win over Napoli, and the performance of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield trio will have been particularly satisfying for the Reds’ boss.

Klopp can almost do no wrong on Merseyside at the moment, but there are two aspects of his management that fans still take issue with.

The first is his substitutions, as the enigmatic German tends to wait until very late in games to make changes, and the second is his midfield selection, where fans are desperate to see new signings Naby Keita and Fabinho develop and eventually dominate.

Playmaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals he would have snubbed Tottenham for Arsenal if they'd come knocking in 2005...

Klopp has often stuck with his tried and tested midfielders in big games though, and once again it was James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum that got the nod against Napoli.

The trio were absolutely woeful in the defeat at Paris, and fans were raging about the midfield selection when the expected line-up was leaked on Tuesday afternoon.

Klopp’s old guard all had their best individual performances of the season though, and Milner’s display in particular showed why his manager has so much faith in him.

The 32 year-old, who has played every position except centre back in his club career, made five key passes in the 1-0 win, more than every other player on the pitch except Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made six.

This creativity is exactly what many thought was lacking from the trio of Henderson, Wijnaldum and Milner, but the latter’s ability to look forward and find his front three was crucial in breaking down the Italian outfit, and he even supplied the assist for Mohamed Salah’s goal.

He also did plenty of work on the defensive end, winning five tackles, the most of any Liverpool player, and also winning five aerial duels, the second-most of anyone on the pitch.

Milner’s well-rounded, creative and physical display more than vindicated Klopp’s decision to trust the old guard, and Klopp now has his two big summer signings completely fresh and ready to face Manchester United.

The decision to ease Keita and Fabinho into the season looked like a huge risk from Klopp not too long ago, but it may just be the difference in Sunday's mega clash.

So, Liverpool fans, how impressed were you by Milner’s display against Napoli? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…