For good reason does Jurgen Klopp turn to his bench this season as Liverpool difference to Man City becomes obvious
There was something wholly apt about the manner in which Liverpool sealed an unexpectedly hard-earned victory against Sheffield United on Thursday evening.
And not only because Cody Gakpo’s superb header from a deep Andy Robertson cross highlighted how the Reds can turn defence into attack in swift, devastating fashion.
Both the goal and the assist were delivered by players who had stepped off the bench in the second half, the latest example of how utilising the full squad has proven key to maintaining the Reds’ Premier League title challenge while progressing in the Europa League having already lifted the League Cup.
In total, of the 125 goals Liverpool have scored in all competitions this season, 24 – almost a fifth – have been netted by substitutes, with the bench also contributing 25 assists.
Of course, the relentless injury list and being able to make five substitutions has meant players have often been able to build up sufficient rhythm – so often the watchword under Jurgen Klopp – to not feel as though they are coming in from the cold. The replacements have been ready to play their part.
This campaign, 21 players have already made at least 20 appearances, matching the highest such tally during the Klopp era when the increase in permitted substitutions has offered greater game time to more players.
From as early as August, many of Liverpool’s key moments this season have been influenced by replacements. Darwin Nunez’s late brace at Newcastle United delivered a statement victory for the 10-man Reds that in many respects set the tone for the two clubs, while Luis Diaz earned a point at Luton Town and Harvey Elliott struck a last-gasp winner at Crystal Palace.
The League Cup saw Nunez come off the bench in the first leg of the semi-final against Fulham to set up an equaliser for Curtis Jones and then assist the winner for fellow substitute Gakpo, while in the final Kostas Tsimikas was introduced and delivered the corner from which Virgil van Dijk headed home the late decider.
Nunez, Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are the leading scorers from the bench with four each, with Diogo Jota next on three. Elliott, Dominik Szoboszlai and Jayden Danns all have two, with Wataru Endo, Van Dijk and Diaz on one each.
Even without goal contributions, Liverpool’s performances have often been elevated by an injection of energy from the bench – that they have scored a whopping 39 goals from the 76th minute onwards in regulation time this season is no coincidence.
Elliott has perhaps been the best example by regularly making an obvious difference when introduced. Remarkably, of his 26 Premier League appearances, 20 have come as a substitute with more than half seeing him play at least 25 minutes.
Indeed, in comparison to fellow title contenders Arsenal and Manchester City, Liverpool have turned to the bench most during the Premier League campaign ahead of this weekend’s round of games. Klopp has made at least three substitutions in each of his team’s 30 top-flight matches and used the full complement 12 times. The Reds boss has made a total of four replacements in 14 games.
The overall tally of 128 substitutions is, though, only three ahead of Arsenal, whose increased intensity this season has been key to maintaining their title charge. The Gunners have actually used all five substitutes on more occasions than Liverpool, perhaps reflecting the greater number of matches in which they have strolled to one-sided victory.
But the duo are massively ahead of City, with Pep Guardiola having made only 84 substitutions. Twice City didn’t make any – including the 1-1 home draw with Liverpool in November – while only four times has Guardiola felt the need to utilise all five available replacements.
That, again, could reflect City’s more methodical, less intense style of play that relies less on bursts of energy, although it does point to Guardiola perhaps not having the same faith in the depth of his squad as Arteta or Klopp.
That possible weakness for the champions is by contrast a huge strength for Liverpool this campaign. Largely gone is the seeming angst among supporters – certainly on social media – when starting line-ups are announced, fans now relaxed in the knowledge games can easily be changed from the bench.
Nobody would be surprised if a substitute makes a positive contribution for Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
