Tony Cascarino thinks that the return to fitness of Thiago Alcantara, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones could have a game-changing effect on Liverpool’s season.
Cascarino was appearing on TalkSport (4mins 47secs). He was asked whether Liverpool had the squad depth to cope with the packed run-in they face whilst being in every competition.
The pundit claimed that Jurgen Klopp now has a much better squad than he did at the start of the campaign.
“He’s got nearly a fully fit squad, which helps, and their squad has been bolstered since the start of the season,” said Cacarino.
“Thiago being back, Curtis Jones being back, Harvey Elliott coming back into the frame. There’s a much better squad for them to get over the obstacles in front of them.”
Liverpool had a debacle of an injury crisis last season. After seeing first-hand the effect that had on any aspirations of silverware, Klopp must be thrilled to have so many options now available to him.
Three is a magic number
Casacarino is right to highlight the importance of the trio he mentions.
Elliott is something of a bonus player having been expected to go out on-loan again at the beginning of the season. He has since blossomed into a real option for Klopp.
The ankle injury he sustained in September has slowed his progress. But as he regains full fitness he can provide Liverpool with some much needed attacking threat from midfield.
Jones has had a stop-start season but appears to be fully fit once again. He was one of the better players for Liverpool against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Although not a nailed on starter, he has proved already in his short career that he relishes the biggest games. The Reds hopefully have plenty of those still to come this season and Jones will be needed.
The benefits of Thiago returning are obvious, whatever Paulo Di Canio may think. The 30-year-old has struggled for fitness throughout his 18 months at the club. But when he does play, his class is clear to see.
Thiago makes up one third of Klopp’s first-choice midfield and will be crucial to the remainder of the campaign.
Don’t forget Diaz
What Cascarino fails to mention is that Liverpool have added an extra body to their squad mid-season.
Luis Diaz has been thrilling since arriving from Porto in January. It’s easy to see why he has been labelled as one of the most exciting players to watch in world football.
He may only have the one goal to his name in a red shirt so far. But he has delighted and exhilerated the Anfield crowd whenever he has had the chance to do so.
Diaz has given Liverpool a little bit of added X-factor whilst the added competition has so far been getting the best out of Sadio Mane.
Liverpool already had a brilliant squad. But with these three now fully back in the picture and Diaz added to the mix, Klopp has plenty of reason to be confident of further success in 2021/22.
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