Liverpool seem to have plenty of strength in depth, and competition for a starting role appears to be raising standards.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested the competition for places in training has helped raise the standard of performances at the club, and contributed to their good start to the season, the Liverpool Echo reports.
The Reds will go in search of their fourth consecutive league win tomorrow when they take on Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Liverpool currently sit in fourth place in the table but could find themselves in second at the end of the weekend.
Klopp is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “They are all involved all the time – that’s how it is.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana celebrates scoring their first goal
“With no cup game in the middle of the week we always have a week for training and we work together to try to have a high intensity in all parts of the game – concentration, readiness, levels, all this stuff.
“Every player is important for this and every player is involved. I don’t say this to keep them cool and calm – it is the truth.”
There are certainly a few players around the squad that you would’ve had as nailed on starters before the start of the season who are struggling to get into the side right now.
Liverpool’s Emre Can in action with Derby’s Timi Max Elsnik
Examples of this are Emre Can – who was Liverpool’s best midfielder towards the back end of last season – and Daniel Sturridge who is arguably the most talented player in the Liverpool squad and has the capability of scoring in excess of 20 goals in a league season.
At the moment, in Liverpool’s forward line, one high profile player is always likely to miss out which seems to help raise standards. The Reds have found the net on 24 occasions in all competitions so far this season – with the goals being spread out pretty evenly.
One thing that is evident this season is that Liverpool have a pretty strong bench regardless of the kind of starting XI they put out. Knowing that someone of decent quality is ready to take your place in the side if you underperform would undoubtedly spur you on.
Hull City’s Andrew Robertson fouls Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge resulting in a penalty
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