Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Naby Keita.

The midfielder has endured some criticism this season, but showed his quality in midfield.

He was a key reason for the team's persistent 2-0 win over Aston Villa, setting up Sadio Mane for the opening goal.

And Klopp did not shy away from praising him afterward.

He told the club website: "Naby is a top player, a top player.

"It was a difficult game today, but he was really good and helped us a lot. Not only with the assist; you could always play the pass to him, he always offers, he was in smart positions.

"I liked the game a lot today and it's just a good example of how good he can be. It was of course not his best game, but it was good and I am just happy when a player is in shape like this and can perform like this because we play again in three days, which is tough.

"Three days later we play again and four days later again. It is a tough period, it is for all [teams] tough, but you need to find solutions for the different moments and today Naby was a super solution."