Garth Crooks has applauded how Jurgen Klopp changed Liverpool’s tactics to secure a 2-1 win against Newcastle United despite being a man down and trailing 1-0 at half-time.
Writing for BBC Sport, the pundit hailed the Liverpool manager as Klopp brought on the likes of Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott to change the game for the Reds.
With the English defender having an impressive performance at the back and Nunez scoring a brace, the tactical decisions made by Klopp were inspiring, with Crooks amazed by what the Liverpool manager did.
Crooks said on Klopp’s tactical changes: “The tactical changes made by Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff after Virgil van Dijk’s dismissal were nothing short of genius.
“Gomez replaced Luis Diaz, who naturally felt aggrieved by the substitution, and was soon joined by Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Jarell Quansah to take up the fight and try to salvage a point from the game.
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“Well, they did more than that – they won it. It’s not often you see five substitutes gel into a team immediately, but these five did.”
Klopp deserves major credit for Liverpool’s shock Newcastle win
Klopp’s reputation as one of the best managers in the world is a recognised fact at this stage, and the German pulled off one of his biggest tricks yet this weekend against Newcastle.
The Liverpool boss’ decisions played a massive role in the Reds securing an unlikely win against the Magpies, with Klopp allowed to feel smug about what he did on Sunday.
Whilst Virgil van Dijk’s red card is an issue, Klopp can now rely on Gomez for the upcoming Premier League games, with the defender impressing greatly when given the nod by the Anfield manager.