Liverpool are always going to have one big name in reserve if Jurgen Klopp persists with his current system and the Reds stay injury free.
It feels a bit odd to write this, but the only reason that anyone can is because Liverpool are blessed in the final third right now.
Liverpool have options. Prior to the international break it was asked how Daniel Sturridge was going to get into the Liverpool side.
Philippe Coutinho dropped to the bench and Sturridge was given a start in his preferred centre-forward role. Despite leaving the field having not found the net, when he perhaps ought to, his contribution was excellent as he slotted into the side and established an understanding with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
Now you can make an argument that Liverpool look better without one of Sturridge or Coutinho in the side.
As Liverpool cut through Leicester, Firmino and Mane shone – they were clearly the men among the first names on the teamsheet – and there will be a surprise if either are left out of Friday’s night’s visit to Chelsea unless they pick up an injury during the week.
So, naturally it comes down to selecting either Coutinho or Sturridge. Some have suggested that Coutinho could play in the same role as Adam Lallana to get both players into the side, but it is hard to see someone who is starting to add goals to his game from that position being omitted from the side.
Klopp has a selection issue; but what an issue to have! Coutinho showed the qualities he had on the opening day with two very different goals in the 4-3 win over Arsenal. Sturridge’s play in the build-up to Mane’s goal at the weekend was solid evidence of an understanding being built with only Kasper Schmeichel denying him a brace.
A lot will depend on the dynamic Klopp wants to his side. While both players have wonderful qualities, there are aspects to them that infuriate. Although Coutinho has shown he can find the net in spectacular fashion, with that you can get the pot-shots from 30 yards that go into Row Z.
Detractors of Sturridge feel he drops too deep, although with the current set-up there are other players willing to get beyond the last line of defence. Klopp may feel he gets more work rate away from home out of Coutinho.
It has been a long time since Liverpool have been in a position to have so many options in the final third. Divock Origi has made one start in a League Cup tie, while Danny Ings is waiting to make his mark on this season.
A test of man management is what it may be for Klopp, but he will enjoy it…and Liverpool fans should enjoy the rich attacking talent at their disposal.
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