Rafa Benitez believes Liverpool’s improved squad depth is the key reason for their Premier League title push.
The Spaniard came close to winning the league at Anfield back in 2008/09, but there were never enough options from the substitutes’ bench.
While eventual champions Manchester United could call upon someone like Dimitar Berbatov, Liverpool had David N’Gog as a replacement for Fernando Torres.
The Reds now find themselves in a situation where the likes of Joe Gomez, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are brought on in games, highlighting the options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal.
Writing for The Athletic, Benitez says this is the main reason why Liverpool could end the long wait for title glory this season:
The current side is more consistent. Why? Because they have much better players on the bench. We could compete against any team in any game, but to compete over a full season?
That difference becomes clear over the course of 10 months. Liverpool can now afford to spend £45 million on a player who can sit on the bench because everyone on the pitch is doing better.
We had players who cost £1.5 million. Their signings have been really good, but they have also been very expensive and in those terms as well as the others, they’re now at the same level as Manchester City or Chelsea.
Perhaps this will be the season the other great obsession finally ends.
Read Liverpool Verdict
Squad depth is something that has been lacking for so long at Liverpool, but that has changed now.
It has made a massive difference, affording Klopp the luxury of rotating his squad and always being able to field a formidable side.
It should stand the Reds in good stead as the season progresses, keeping legs fresh as the weeks and months pass.
Comments.
Loading comments…