Liverpool changed up their squad depth in the January transfer window and here’s a look at what they’ve got for the rest of the season.
Liverpool boast more squad depth right now than they have in a very, very long time. That was actually the case before January but the Reds made some interesting changes mid-season.
How has that affected their squad depth, then? Well, let’s start with the first XI.
We’d still maintain that this is Liverpool’s best XI. At the very least, it’s the one Jurgen Klopp is most likely to go with for a big game – providing everyone is fit, of course.
There’s incredible strength in every position, with Diogo Jota the only one who hasn’t won both a league title and Champions League. Very few teams can boast that.
But Liverpool can also put out a passable second XI now just from their backup players.
That’s obviously a rough XI but one you’d expect to win most Premier League games. Go a little deeper, though, and you see that Liverpool look incredibly strong in every area right now.
Liverpool squad depth 2021/22
Goalkeeper
Alisson is obviously top dog at Liverpool but Caoimhin Kelleher is a fantastic young option behind him. Adrian has his doubters, of course, but as a third-choice goalkeeper? He’s more than fine.
Defence
Liverpool are incredibly strong at centre-back right now – stronger than ever. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are all fantastic players who could play for anyone. The Reds did make a change here in January, though, as Nat Phillips left and Rhys Williams returned. It’s not a huge difference but notable.
At right-back, Liverpool are actually slightly weaker. Trent Alexander-Arnold remains the best in the world but Neco Williams departed for Fulham on deadline day. That pushes Conor Bradley into the backup role but he’s still very inexperienced, despite his talent.
Liverpool have magnificent depth at left-back. Andy Robertson is sensational and Kostas Tsimikas looks good enough to play regular Premier League football. No complaints at all.
Midfield
Liverpool have Fabinho at defensive midfield and he’s arguably the best in the world. Beyond him, Jordan Henderson covers that role wonderfully and as long as one of the two are fit, the Reds have a fine defensive shield.
Beyond that, it’s a mix of quality with question marks. Thiago is world-class but battles injuries, while both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggle with issues, too. All three have been brilliant at times this season, though – they just need to stay fit.
James Milner is a veteran at this stage, of course, and both Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are on the other end of things. They still need more experience but clearly have the quality.
In all, Liverpool have fantastic options here when all are at their best. We’ll just need to hope injuries fade away over the rest of the season.
Attack
Liverpool already had the best selection of forwards around. Mohamed Salah is the best in the country – arguably the world – while Diogo Jota is the Premier League’s second-top scorer. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are world-class players, too, and proven winners.
And now there’s Luis Diaz. The Colombian arrives from FC Porto with a lot of hype and only adds more quality to this group. We wouldn’t swap what Liverpool have for anything.
And then there are Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi – two players with limited minutes but who have consistently scored this season. It’s a frightening selection and one that could make a real difference as Liverpool fight on four fronts.
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