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It’s the time of year when the Christmas lights are being dusted off and wish lists are being drawn up.

In just over two months the winter transfer window will be open for business but while others prepare to splash the cash to fill the gaps, it’s difficult to see Liverpool dipping into the market mid-season.

Barring an injury crisis or a raft of suspensions, why would they?

“This is the strongest Liverpool squad I can remember,” said Kop legend Jan Molby in the aftermatch of Tuesday night’s victory over Tottenham in the EFL Cup.

That’s some tribute from the classy Danish midfielder who was part of three title-winning teams at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp took a gamble when he rested his entire first-choice XI but it paid off as the Reds delivered a performance which showcased that they have plenty in reserve.

That strength in depth is testament to the manner in which Klopp overhauled the squad he inherited last summer.

Thirteen players left on a permanent basis in the joint biggest exodus in Anfield history. But, crucially, Klopp didn’t lose anyone that he wanted to keep.

The Reds did some smart business as they pocketed hefty fees for the likes of Martin Skrtel, Jordon Ibe, Joe Alen, Brad Smith, Luis Alberto and Christian Benteke, who will line up against his old club at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.

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Not only did Klopp offload the dead wood but he also got rid of those unlikely to command a regular place who would have been blocking the pathway for the club’s talented Academy youngsters.

The contribution of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn in pre-season had an impact on the make up of Klopp’s squad. For example he saw enough in Alexander-Arnold to convince him that bringing in cover at full-back simply wouldn’t be necessary. The teenager’s composed debut against Spurs vindicated that decision.

No top-flight club recruited as wisely as Liverpool as Klopp brought in quality rather than quantity. He hasn’t tried to integrate too many new faces.

Most of their rivals currently have big money signings struggling to live up to their price tags, but Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum have given the Reds an immediate return on their investment. They were already proven at Premier League level and have taken the leap to Anfield in their stride.

What a contrast to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s plight at Old Trafford. The Armenian has played just 104 minutes of Premier League football since his £26.3million move from Borussia Dortmund.

“He’s not injured,” confessed Jose Mourinho on Friday as he insisted the attacking midfielder needed time to adjust to the physical demands of the English game.

Klopp, who took Mkhitaryan to Dortmund, never tried to rival United for his signature. He wasn’t what Klopp was after.

The Reds boss did want Mario Gotze but walked away when the German said he wanted to keep his options open.

It wasn’t simply about ability for Klopp, it was also about attitude and hunger. He needed signings prepared to “push the train, not jump on the running train” and he got that.

Joel Matip’s outstanding form makes a mockery of the criticism over Liverpool’s positive net spend in the summer. The former Schalke centre-back didn’t cost a penny but Kopites wouldn’t swap him for John Stones, who cost Man City £47.5million.

The squad has also been enhanced by the coaching acumen of Klopp and his backroom staff. The high regard in which the likes of Adam Lallana, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren and Emre Can are now held is far removed from their status prior to Klopp’s arrival.

The battle between keepers Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet is replicated in every other department. No-one’s place is safe and that should help ensure that standards are maintained as Liverpool seek to build on an autumn full of promise.