A rather unusual bunch of Liverpool faces were named on the substitutes' bench as Jurgen Klopp rotated his team in the 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle on Saturday lunchtime.
One thing Liverpool have been able to benefit from is the squad depth, knowing they can name a quality side, regardless of the manager's alterations. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Fabinho were given the rest this time, ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Villarreal, giving Joe Gomez, James Milner and Naby Keita the nod to start.
And each of them made a significant contribution to the side's win. Keita scored the game's only goal, Milner was involved in the build-up to the goal, with a challenge on Fabian Schar in an attempt to move the ball to Jota. While Gomez made a crucial intervention on the wing as the hosts attempted to counter attack.
The veteran Milner controlled the game in midfield and his experience was exactly what was needed in a game like that, where a 1-0 scoreline is always risky, as the game could have gone either way. The hosts even saw Miguel Almiron's effort pulled up for offside and, had the goal stood, it could have been a different outcome.
Footballers want competition, they want minutes in order to challenge themselves and become better players on the pitch. This Liverpool squad is able to offer that. No matter what team the German boss fields, the spirit remains the same: to leave everything on the pitch.
Granted, Newcastle made their lives difficult, falling to a very narrow defeat. But by the same token, Liverpool got the job done, they overcome those obstacles, like many others they have this season, and it has kept them in contention to fight for the quadruple - for another game at least.
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Speaking after the win, Klopp said about the Liverpool's squad depth: "That's the only reason we are where we are. They are an exceptionally talented bunch of players.
"The impact we have off the bench in game is outstanding, We expect a lot but the boys have to deliver. But Joe Gomez, what a game. Naby Keita, what a game. James Milner, what a game. Andrew Robertson, 93rd minute, running up, absolutely brilliant.
"Milner was outstanding. He is incredibly important for us. He is very helpful in the dressing room, especially for a manager whose native language isn't English, but he is important on the pitch too and he played a super game today."
The Reds have already won one out of the four possible titles there are to swoop, having edged past Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in February. All eyes are now on the FA Cup final against Thomas Tuchel's side on May 14, the Champions League semi-final with Villarreal and the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City only a single point in front following their 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday.
But for now, all focus turns to the La Liga outfit Villarreal as Klopp and co make the trip to the east of Spain, holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg. The remaining league fixtures for Liverpool are: May 7 - Tottenham (H), May 10 - Aston Villa (A), May 17 - Southampton (A), May 22 - Wolves (H). Can they do it? Their deep squad and relentless motivation gives them a good chance.
