Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino helped the Reds reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday night.
Jurgen Klopp rang the changes for the quarter-final second-leg meeting with Benfica at Anfield.
Firmino may not be a regular starter for Liverpool any more, but that’s testament to the immense competition up front.
The Reds’ incredible strength in depth is also what’s keeping them in contention for an unprecedented quadruple.
And on Wednesday, Klopp was able to make seven changes and still make relatively light work of their opponents.
There were some nervy moments in the match, but Liverpool were never in danger of relinquishing their aggregate lead.
Only Alisson Becker, Joel Matip, Jordan Henderson and Diogo Jota kept their places from Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
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Firmino was one of those who came into the starting XI against Benfica, and he played a crucial role in seeing Liverpool over the line.
At 1-1, the visitors were just beginning to grow in confidence when the £29million man put the Reds in front again.
Diogo Jota played a low ball into the box for the unmarked Firmino to slot in at the back post on 55 minutes.
Then, 10 minutes later, the Brazilian produced a lovely cushioned finish from a pinpoint Kostas Tsimikas cross to make it 3-1.
Although Benfica struck twice in the latter stages of the game, Liverpool held on to win 6-4 on aggregate.
“Top-class”
Media outlets raved about Firmino’s display after the match.
The Liverpool Echo gave him 8/10 and wrote: “Linked play well, pressed fiercely and had header deflected over.
“But should really have shot when instead passing to Diaz when clear first half.
“On hand to tap in second and fine volley for the third.”
The i also gave Firmino 8/10, as did The Independent.
“Got on the end of Jota’s cross after a series of mistakes from Vlachodimos and Vertonghen, extending Liverpool’s aggregate lead to three,” wrote the latter.
“A smart volley from Tsimikas’ free kick earned him his second goal of the night.”
TEAMtalk went further, giving Firmino 9/10 and singing his plaudits.
“Engaged in some nice interplay with Diaz,” wrote the outlet.
“Almost got an assist when he attempted to give Diaz a tap-in, just needed more conviction on the pass.
“Showed good awareness to get his first goal from Jota’s miss-hit shot, then displayed top-class movement to give himself an easy second goal.
“Took his chances whenever they presented themselves, which is exactly what Klopp wants.”