GIVE ’EM THE OLD RAZZLE DIAZZLE

Klopp has glittering prize guys in new star Luis

LITTLE wonder Jurgen Klopp had a smile on his face to light up even the grey and sodden skies that

swept across Anfield.

Not only did his Liverpool side impressively maintain their push for four trophies this term. They did it while suggesting there is a bright future for his young team, even when the golden generation of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane is over. Cardiff played their part in an entertaining FA Cup tie and produced two moments of controversy. Another day, or with a different VAR mentality, they might have had a penalty, and home keeper Caoimhin Kelleher (inset, right) could later have been sent off.

But this was Klopp’s afternoon, the moment when his meticulous planning for both present and future came together to suggest he now has more squad depth than at any time in his reign.

That will surely silence, for now at least, those critics who worry about Liverpool’s ambition in retaining the services of Salah and Mane as contract talks drag on.

Because here, the highlights were provided by four players brought in as alternatives to his famous front three.

Diogo Jota needs no introduction as an addition to the Liverpool front line, his fine headed goal confirmation that he is now very much established as a first choice – even ahead of Roberto Firmino.

But in the second half, with Cardiff tiring, Klopp introduced new signing Luis Diaz and 18-year-old Harvey Elliott, returning from a five-month injury lay-off.

The impact was massive, on both the game, and belief on the Kop.

They cheered the double substitution for its meaning... with both players instantly producing some fine moments to suggest there is a depth now to the Reds squad that can

help them win silverware this season.

Jota pounced early in the second half as he showed the instinct of a goalscorer and the heading ability of a towering No.9 to turn in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fine whipped freekick.

Then, on 68 minutes, Diaz showed he is clearly a perfect Klopp player. His enthusiastic press in the Cardiff box won the ball after Perry Ng’s mistake, then some dazzling footwork set up Takumi Minamino for a simple goal.

It is everything Klopp wants in his wide forwards and everything he has in Salah and

Mane. Now he has an alternative. But Elliott provided even more skill, more enthusiasm – and a goal to have to Liverpool fans drooling.

It was a wonderful finish, taking Andy Robertson’s cross with a caress, before a turn and volley into the far corner that was simply sublime.

However, Klopp will be disappointed about the late goal they conceded, teenage Wales international Rubin Colwill showing composure to stride on to an Isaak Davies through ball and finish in style.

More worrying was the firsthalf penalty shout when Ibrahima Konate ran into the back of Mark Harris, though referee Andy Madley was probably correct in not giving the award – and then a let-off for Kelleher, who caught Harris when he raced from his line.

But Liverpool survived both Cardiff appeals, and posted notice they are ominously serious about the domestic cups these days.