The changes will be repeated as Liverpool turn their attention to the Europa League. A third straight win in Group E would be a huge step towards qualifying for the knockout stages when Toulouse travel to Anfield on Thursday.
In the 2-0 win over Union SG last time out, Klopp surprisingly handed starts to Mo Salah and Darwin Nunes, while Trent Alexander-Arnold returned from a hamstring injury.
It was a perfect match for Alexander-Arnold, who had not played for a month. Liverpool’s vice-captain is unlikely to feature in the starting XI against Toulouse, while the rest of the squad could breathe a sigh of relief after beating Everton in the Merseyside derby.
And the game came at the right time for Curtis Jones to emerge. The midfielder has been forced to watch Liverpool’s last two Premier League games from the stands after picking up a red card in the 2-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
The international break also halted the season and it has been three weeks since Jones played a game for the Reds. He came on at half-time during the Union SG win and played a key role in a much-improved second-half performance.
As his European suspension is no longer in effect, he will return to the squad for the match against Toulouse. This is a strong possibility.Still, it’s interesting that Jones could play for the Reds.
The youth player has transformed from a small player to a key member of Klopp’s squad over the past six months, highlighting his value to the squad.
Jones’ simplicity on the ball and clever counter-pressing in the number 8 role is why he has not only survived but thrived in Liverpool’s midfield revolution. Many suggested Alexis McAllister’s £35million deal secured Jones’ job. The Toxeteth native had a different idea, with Mac Allister handling the defense’s screening responsibilities.
But Jones’ versatility means he can be sent elsewhere. He was a versatile talent who played on the left wing during his youth academy days.
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are both likely to be rested after the win at Everton, leaving them with few options in that position. According to his own words, this is a position he likes.
