The Liverpool fringe player who’s given Jurgen Klopp a selection dilemma ahead of Manchester United trip

A wonder strike hasn't masked some Kopites' thoughts on Naby Keita's overall performance against Atletico Madrid.

Despite the midfielder's thunderbolt in the 13th minute to put Liverpool 2-0 ahead, it couldn't prevent him from being withdrawn at half-time of the clash.

Keita’s struggles

Keita might have scored a screamer but there were plenty of fans who concurred he was twice culpable for allowing Atletico back into the Champions League clash.

When Antoine Griezmann reduced the deficit, the 26-year-old had been skipped past by Thomas Lemar from a short corner with the utmost ease.

And for Griezmann's equaliser, this time it was Joao Felix who waltzed past Keita.

In truth, there was no surprise that Keita was brought off at the interval, with Fabinho coming on to replace him. It was a mixed-bag performance for the ex-RB Leipzig man.

Liverpool required more protection in the engine room to repel Diego Simeone's side who were beginning to run riot.

Fabinho provided that and he'll come back into Jurgen Klopp's side for Sunday's trip to Manchester United.

But who joins the Brazilian and Jordan Henderson in the engine room is the question.

There are doubts around whether James Milner can manage another match.

He was one of Liverpool's better performers in the Spanish capital, but may not have the stamina to play a third game in eight days at the ripe age of 35.

In truth, it's difficult seeing Keita remaining in the XI.

Having missed out in big games against Chelsea and Manchester City already this season, the Guinea international failed to grasp his chance against Atletico.

Ox’s eye-catching cameo

A player who did seize his opportunity and must have given Klopp something to ponder, though, was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

He came on with 27 minutes remaining and helped get Liverpool back on the front foot.

Oxlade-Chamberlain's been a bit-part player so far this season, making just six appearances and two starts before the Atletico encounter.

After recovering from another long-term knee injury last season, there have been talks about a potential return to Arsenal in recent months given his peripheral figure.

But in Madrid, Oxlade-Chamberlain displayed the attribute that is perhaps his best - dynamism.

The England international provided thrust in the middle of the park, something that Liverpool were crying out for.

In particular, there was one driving run that pierced the home side's defence before Oxlade-Chamberlain's shot was down the throat of goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Then there was a crucial bit of defensive play that shouldn't go unforgotten.

The 28-year-old thwarted a menacing foray by intercepting a ball with Yannick Carrasco lurking in behind.

According to WhoScored stats, Oxlade-Chamberlain were given a match rating of 7.10. Only Mo Salah (8.26) received a higher mark.

Jones’ fitness

Oxlade-Chamberlain's chances of starting against Man Utd might hinge on Curtis Jones' fitness.

The academy product had burst into Klopp's team before the international break, starting four successive matches.

He returned to England under-21 duty with a knock, however, ruling him out of the past two games.

Jones joined in with the warm-up ahead of the Atletico trip but was left at home with the hope to be available for the Old Trafford visit.

Even still, Oxlade-Chamberlain is surely in Klopp's thoughts.