Slot now making the most of Liverpool's incredible squad depth

The Dutchman had previously been reluctant to use his fringe players, but their quality has been key to the Reds staying on track of late.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

If there has been one minor criticism of Arne Slot that has regularly surfaced during his remarkable start to life at Liverpool, it concerns an aversion to rotation at times when supporters have felt it apt.

You need only look at the social media reaction to Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch’s inclusion in the starting XI for Tuesday evening’s meeting with Lille for evidence of this division between (some) fans and the manager.

On this occasion - and as has typically been the case - Slot was fully vindicated, with a strong team inflicting Lille’s first defeat in 22 games to secure an all-important top two finish in the Champions League group stage.

However, last night’s game also provided something for those who still doubt this season’s selection policy: welcome signs that the boss is finally starting to lean more on his enviable squad depth.

Take, for example, the use of Jarell Quansah, who has struggled for game time despite initially starting the campaign in the team.

The Warrington-born defender’s diminished standing appeared to be emphasised by the fact that Ibrahima Konate was recently rushed back from a knee injury, along with supporter calls for a centre-back to be signed in January.

But he offered a timely reminder of his immense potential on Tuesday, and the hope now is that there are more such games to come.

The same goes for Harvey Elliott, who is in the midst of his best week of a season that had otherwise been defined by a frustrating wait for involvement.

Liverpool fans have long been calling for his skills in unpicking a low block to be utilised more frequently and, in creating two goals against Brentford then scoring the winner against Lille, he has shown Slot why they were right.

It was also heartening to see Federico Chiesa called upon again to build on a brief but impressive outing at the weekend.

The joy in the Italian’s celebrations at Brentford encapsulated why Anfield sources have remained so adamant that he won’t be departing in January despite rumours to the contrary.