Don Hutchison told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport that he was ‘stunned’ Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita started against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Liverpool suffered a 3-1 first-leg defeat against the Spanish giants, with Kieta being subbed after 42 minutes following a woeful display from the team all round.
It was a flat, slow and timid first 45 minutes from Liverpool and Kieta didn’t even make the break, with Thiago Alcantara replacing him.
Before the game, Hutchison seemingly saw what was going to come Liverpool’s way because he didn’t understand why Keita was starting in the first place.
“I am stunned that Naby Kieta is playing for Liverpool tonight when he has got Thiago, Curtis Jones and he has got James Milner all on the bench who can play in that position,” said Hutchison about the £48 million player.
“As Klopp has said with Naby Kieta, many a time this season, that he has got no rhythm. No form. He’s not up to speed. So, why on earth would you take that chance in playing Naby Keita and not Thiago.”
That first half was pretty costly for the Reds and now they have their work cut out heading into next week’s showdown.
If Anfield was packed out for the second leg then many would still back Liverpool to produce their magic.
But with empty seats set to welcome Zinedine Zidane’s side, it certainly does aid and benefits those in white compared to those in red.
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