Daniel Sturridge scored an excellent brace last night, while Divock Origi put in an equally impressive performance alongside him. Danny Ings, who’s been lethal for the Under-23s, came on and did pretty well too.
So it was no surprise that Jurgen Klopp was asked after the game why the trio have been given so few chances this season.
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The answer was fairly blunt – but makes complete sense – too.
“There is no discussion about the quality of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi or Danny Ings,” Klopp told the official website.
“It’s only the situation and you cannot play with four strikers!
“If you have an idea how we can do this plus defending, then come to me and tell me!
“[Divock has] big potential, is a good player and Belgium is obviously a lucky country with this big number of strikers.”
With Coutinho and Sadio Mane arguably Liverpool’s two best players, they are automatic selections for the wide roles in the 4-3-3 we’re deploying this season.
That means that Sturridge, Origi and Ings are all battling with Brazilian sensation Roberto Firmino for the spot in the middle.
Unfortunately for them, Firmino’s movement, technique and team-work make him the perfect foil for those around him, even when he isn’t finding the back of the net himself.
Sturridge, Origi and Ings are all more natural goalscorers than our no.11, but none are as tactically astute as Firmino does.
If we played a diamond, it would give another forward a chance to slot in alongside Firmino, but when we’re sat top of the Premier League table (albeit on goal-difference), there’s no need to change.
Sadly for the aforementioned trio, they’ll need to remain patient and continue to do such an excellent job in the cups when called upon; or off the bench in the league.