Liverpool strength in depth shows Jurgen Klopp's "ideal situation" has come to fruition

It doesn't seem that long ago that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was looking at title rivals Manchester City with envy over their wealth of talent available to them off the subs' bench.

In fact, it was only 18 months' ago where Klopp pointed out that City had made five substitutions in a match while still leaving the now-departed Leroy Sane on the bench.

Around the same time, it was Liverpool legend Steve McManaman who pointed out: "A squad like Manchester City's has more depth to it than Liverpool's. That's where he (Klopp) has to look.

"The squad can be deeper and better. They need to find more quality coming off the bench."

Fast forward to another post-successful transfer window for the Reds, though, and it seems Klopp may have finally reached a state of squad-like nirvana.

With his side still battling for silverware on four fronts, Klopp was able to make a handful of changes for the FA Cup fourth round clash against Cardiff City on Sunday.

In came Caiomhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino as amendments to the side which beat Crystal Palace prior to the winter break.

Those five players alone cost Liverpool a combined figure of more than £100million, while on the bench were a host of big-name stars: Thiago, James Milner, Joel Matip, Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott, as well as new £50m signing Luis Diaz.

It is the arrival of the latter which seems to have propelled Klopp's squad into a new realm, with the Liverpool boss now finally possessing the alternative options to his front three that he has so long been lacking.

Diogo Jota's stunning form since joining the club was the first step on that ladder, while Diaz's acquisition now raises the prospect that the days of