Liverpool’s Bench vs. Hull City Shows Impressive Depth of Jurgen Klopp’s Squad

While Liverpool’s 5-1 thrashing of Hull City at Anfield on Saturday provided plenty of talking points and impressive outcomes, there was also one notable occurrence off the pitch.

With almost a fully fit squad available, Jurgen Klopp’s substitutes’ bench against Hull was extremely strong, featuring Simon Mignolet, Lucas Leiva, Alberto Moreno, Emre Can, Marko Grujic, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi. 

Missing from the squad was Dejan Lovren (viral infection), plus long-term absentees Danny Ings and Joe Gomez, while youngsters Kevin Stewart and Sheyi Ojo also didn’t make the cut on this occasion.

Had Lovren been fit, he’d have started in place of Ragnar Klavan, with the Estonian then vying with Lucas for the back-up centre-back spot on the bench. 

To have two centre-forwards of the quality of Sturridge and Origi, who hit 23 goals between them last season despite both suffering from injuries, shows incredible depth and provides Klopp with options capable of changing games.

They were not required to change the game against the Tigers, with Liverpool 3-0 up and cruising by half-time. Sturridge did come off the bench to win the penalty that added the Reds’ fifth goal of the afternoon.

But as the season progresses, such squad depth will be crucial for Liverpool if they are to maintain their impressive start.

Firstly, it will be required, as the physically intensive style of Klopp’s side means injuries are inevitable. No European football means the squad has longer to recover between games, but there will be times players need resting, and having quality replacements will make that process easier, rather than relying on a player who is a little off the pace.

Secondly, substitutes so often win games. Against packed defences or during the winter months, having players from the bench who can make an impact is crucial in the Premier League.

Can, whose last competitive start was the European Championship semi-final for Germany against France, came off the bench against Hull but has a challenge on his hands to break into a midfield that has featured Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana in each of the six league games so far.

The Germany international’s chance to replace Henderson at the base of midfield could arrive, or equally he could slot into one of the box-to-box roles. The options for Klopp are healthy and plenty. 

Compared to 2008/09 and 2013/14

In Liverpool’s last two best Premier League campaigns, under Rafael Benitez in 2008/09 and Brendan Rodgers …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com