Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted to see his Liverpool side produce a near-perfect performance to sweep aside Southampton 4-0 at Anfield. But particularly so because the two star figures were Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara once again, with the latter scoring his second goal in as many games.
Jota has been a popular signing since arriving from Wolves for £41million in October 2020, with Thiago arriving a day later for £20m from Bayern Munich.
In making those signings, Klopp has added genuine quality to their ranks. That was obvious with Thiago, with the 30-year-old proving his class during his eight years at the Allianz Arena.
But Jota has grown from strength to strength and, just a year after his move, he has secured his status as a key player for Klopp. That was reflected as his double put Liverpool on their way to victory on Saturday afternoon.
The Portuguese has now netted 21 goals in 46 appearances, putting him on the same trajectory as Sadio Mane and not far off Mohamed Salah’s rate of goalscoring.
His impact has forced Klopp to rethink his previously unmovable front three of Salah, Mane and Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian struggled for goals last season.
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In Thiago’s case, it has been a case of patience and adaptation. The Spaniard initially looked unsuited to the sheer pace and intensity of the Premier League, suffering from injuries and he featured only 24 times in the league last season.
But his sensational strike against FC Porto in midweek was followed by another goal against Southampton, highlighting his increasing influence in the Liverpool team.
He appears to be flourishing in a more advanced position, with Jordan Henderson operating in a box-to-box role and Fabinho standing guard as the back four patroller.
It was crucial for Klopp that Thiago started delivering, what with the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum over the summer and Harvey Elliott suffering a serious ankle injury. Naby Keita has also been in and out of the side due to injury problems.
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There was a genuine possibility that the German boss would be forced to dip into the market and sign a replacement for Wijnaldum as the injuries piled up.
But Thiago’s form may give the 54-year-old reason to reconsider ahead of the January transfer window.
The decision to sign Jota and Thiago were not Klopp’s alone. He consulted with outgoing sporting director Michael Edwards before green-lighting those two moves.
Indeed, it was the same scenario when Liverpool brought in Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk. Both players were scouted thoroughly and it was decided they would add quality to the squad — to say they have only done that does a disservice to their incredible service to the club so far.
Ultimately, though, they are making a huge impact for the Merseyside club and that suggests Klopp should be given more control over the players he signs.
When he looks at Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola and former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the managerial trio were given huge backing by their clubs to go out and acquire their targets.
Meanwhile, Klopp has been forced to make do with what is at his disposal, but that nearly crippled Liverpool last season when Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were all injured.
Instead of making a necessary signing of their quality, the Reds signed Ozan Kabak on loan — and the fact he is now at Norwich backs up the argument he wasn’t good enough for a permanent Liverpool deal.
Klopp is facing a similar conundrum in the coming months as he will be without Salah and Mane for a maximum six-week period at the most crucial time of the season between December and January.
Liverpool are competing for the title with Chelsea and Manchester City, so a slip-up at this stage of the season may prove to be fatal.
The pair will be on international duty for Egypt and Senegal respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations. It represents an opportunity for Klopp to bring in another forward, with some question marks over Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino’s ability to play regularly.
There will be no doubts about Jota, though. The 24-year-old has proved his worth and will no doubt prove to be an important player as Liverpool attempt to cope without their star duo.
And Klopp may feel he can hold up the attacker as vindication should he decide to make a signing in January. Rennes winger Jeremy Doku has been linked with a £30m move, while Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma has impressed visiting scouts this season.
After six years at the helm, it is high time Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group handed Klopp the freedom and control to improve the squad where he sees fit. A failure to do so and they could be left behind by their title rivals.
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