Daniel Sturridge says Jurgen Klopp made a substitution which changed the game for Liverpool today

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Daniel Sturridge has suggested that Jurgen Klopp made a game-saving substitution for Liverpool today.

The Reds were slowly drifting towards a limp 1-0 loss against Manchester City when Klopp turned to his bench early in the second half.

With just ten minutes on the clock in the second period, the manager decided that he’d had enough. Taking off both Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones, Klopp threw on Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch.

And speaking to Sky Sports during the post-game coverage, Sturridge suggested that the introduction of Gravenberch in particular swung the game Liverpool’s way.

“The change with Gravenberch I thought was very influential in the game and helped them get a result,” said the former Reds striker.

“I like the way he drove with the ball, manipulating it.”

Gravenberch makes his point

Klopp had a big decision to make in midfield at the Etihad today. With Jones and Gravenberch both recovering from injury, it was clear that only one would get the nod.

In the end, it was the Englishman who was given the task of playing on the left of Liverpool’s midfield.

Unfortunately though, Jones really looked like a player who hasn’t featured much over the past few months. Sloppy in possession and a little too lethargic, the 22-year-old almost cost his team on a couple of occasions.

Things markedly improved with Gravenberch on the pitch. The 21-year-old wasn’t perfect by any means, but he kept the ball better than Jones and as Sturridge points out, drove forward well with the ball.

His determination to get Liverpool up the pitch even led to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s eventual equaliser.

With another Europa League game to come midweek, we expect that Jones might get the shirt again. But when next weekend’s Premier League clash with Fulham comes around, Gravenberch should be back in.

Moving forward, it’s quite clear that these two will be pitted against each other for a starting spot. Today. in our opinion, was a big swing towards the Dutchman. Sturridge clearly agreed.

It’s been a positive season so far for Gravenberch, who is looking like a steal at £34m.