Did the injury crisis actually strengthen Reds in the long run?

During the peak years of the Jurgen Klopp era when the Reds were challenging Manchester City at unheard of levels, one of the biggest knocks was that Pep could rotate stars everywhere.

There was no disputing that Liverpool's starting XI was one of the best in the world, but beyond that there was a noticeable drop-off.

Fast forward to today and almost the opposite is happening, and it was very unexpected. When the Reds lost all the players they did this past summer, it came as a shock.

Yes, guys like Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Endo were brought in. However, it appeared the depth of the team had been gutted. I myself even did multiple columns on this site crying out for defensive reinforcements.

Little did I know, the help was already at hand. With all of the above having missed time for various reasons this season, Klopp has needed others to step up and they have.

Curtis Jones has reached a new level and looks to be touching his immense potential. The emergence of Jarrell Quansah in the center of the defense has been a gradual process from way back in the fall.

He has looked the part and is a clear building block for the future Reds defense. Joel Matip being lost for the season has given Quansah ample chances to learn on the fly and he has done more than that.

Thiago not playing a single minute in the midfield means Harvey Elliott has become an extreme regular and he has played very well in a few different roles.

Left-back belonged to Andy Robertson until he dislocated his shoulder and missed three months. Then his deputy, Kostas Tsimikas, got injured and hasn't returned. In stepped the much maligned Joe Gomez.

What has he done with it? Gomez has played some of the best football of his Liverpool career. So much so, that there is a large portion of the fanbase calling for him to retain his starting spot over Robbo for the time being.

The crazy part is, they are not wrong in that thinking. He has been so reliable.

That brings us to the other side where Trent Alexander-Arnold was named vice-captain to begin the season. He has been playing great all season long and looking like a true superstar.

As it happened, he was injured as well and a young Northern Irishman has taken Anfield by storm. Conor Bradley is playing at an elite level right now. The 20-year old has not missed a beat since being plugged into the lineup.

The attack has seen everyone have their moments to shine and carry the load for a few matches at a time.

Recently, it's Diogo Jota that is shining in Salah's absence. Suddenly, it appears that Liverpool are one of the deepest teams in the league.

There is strong cover at every position right now for Klopp to go through. That Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are not immediate starts upon returning is a telltale sign of the shift.

Challenging on four fronts will call for all hands on deck to contribute, and the 2023-24 season has proven that won't be a problem for the Reds. You never want players to get injured, but this is a rare example of injuries actually making a team stronger.

That is a terrifying thought for the opposition I'm sure. Instead of gaining on a weakened Liverpool, they doubled down on the greatness. It's beautiful to watch.