Liverpool put their squad depth on full display away from the pitch at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds have incredible strength right now.
Liverpool saw out a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. It’s a solid result, on the face of it, as this was a tough match that saw the Reds fall behind twice.
They avoided allowing City a breather in the title race, too – the pressure is still firmly there. And for the most difficult game of the season, the Reds had some superb moments that showed why they’re a serious title threat.
That’s been the case for a little while now, of course, but we do think a ‘first’ was on display for Liverpool here. This was the first time that they’ve genuinely matched City for squad depth.
In fact, their true display of strength in that area was seen away from the pitch in those who didn’t play.
Liverpool show squad depth
There were some interesting names who didn’t even make Liverpool’s squad to face City. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Harvey Elliott, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino were all absent but, presumably, fit to play.
Oxlade-Chamberlain started the year playing wonderfully, for instance. He’s been a dynamic, attacking midfield option for years, too, but Klopp didn’t find room for him in this one. You can say similar about Elliott, who has had incredibly promising moments this season.
Minamino has been electric in the cups this season, too. Scoring important goals and looking like a real threat. Then there’s Origi – Liverpool’s primary option from the bench under Klopp no longer makes the matchday squad.
And those are the players who just didn’t make the squad. Liverpool had Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Naby Keita coming off their bench against City.
This depth is unheard of at Liverpool and they’re truly matching City in that regard for now. It could very well be what delivers more trophies this season as the Reds compete on three more fronts.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
