Joleon Lescott has highlighted his surprise that Liverpool are no longer reliant on the goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah after they both started on the bench against Benfica in the Champions League quarter-finals second leg. The Reds drew 3-3, but progressed to the semi-finals on aggregate.
Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring from a corner for Liverpool before Roberto Firmino scored twice as the Reds cemented their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League for the third time under Jurgen Klopp.
Former Everton and Manchester City defender Lescott was shocked that Liverpool could be so prolific without their two star men Mane and Salah.
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Speaking to BT Sport during the coverage of Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Benfica in midweek, the former England man instead praised the performance of striker Firmino.
“To smell the potential opportunity there, he (Firmino) offers so much more than just goals for Liverpool,” said Lescott.
“I didn’t think I’d see the day where Mane and Salah aren’t playing and they’re able to score multiple goals, I thought they were so reliant on them. Their strength in depth now is evident."
With Firmino, Mane and Salah all coming up for the last year in their contract, it is unclear as to what the future holds for the three at Anfield beyond this season.
