Such have been the high standards set throughout the squad, there haven’t been too many occasions under Arne Slot’s still fledgling tenure the value of a player has increased in their absence. But there’s no doubt Liverpool were missing the midfield energy and physicality of Dominik Szoboszlai in the recent stumbles against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

After a mixed debut campaign that started impressively but fizzled out after injury, Szoboszlai has this season slowly transformed himself into an all-action number 10.

And while it took him the best part of a full half to hit his stride on his return to Premier League action here after suspension and injury, the Hungarian became a huge influence after the interval in helping turn the tide in Liverpool’s favour.

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Szoboszlai's physical presence meant only Virgil van Dijk won more headers for Liverpool and Alexis Mac Allister made more tackles, and kept Nottingham Forest pressed back in their own final third.

He regularly picked up scraps around the edge of the penalty area as Forest struggled to clear their lines, and used the ball swiftly and intelligently.

It was an encouraging sign of the impact Liverpool will hope Szoboszlai can have during the decisive second half of the season.

Gravenberch rotates again

The sight of Ibrahima Konate trotting off for Diogo Jota was an undoubted statement of intent from Arne Slot. But the decision of who should then partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence was a further example of the trust the Liverpool boss has in one player in particular.

As when reduced to 10 men against Fulham last month, Ryan Gravenberch dropped from his defensive midfield position into the heart of defence. And as against the Cottagers, he helped Liverpool come from behind to earn a point and, with his ability to step up into the midfield line, offered another attacking threat.

Indeed, the Dutchman's characteristic composure meant he was able to play his way out of one potentially dangerous moment as Forest threatened a rare break in the second half.

But, in truth, Gravenberch had endured a difficult time before the break in his usual midfield role although, with Mac Allister growing increasingly frustrated, he wasn’t the only one.

And for all the encouraging noises after the game, Slot will be disappointed Forest netted with what ultimately proved their only real chance of the game. Liverpool remain a little too easy to score against right now.

Transfer question remains

The timing, in some ways, couldn’t have been any worse. Just a few hours before kick-off at the City Ground, it emerged title challengers Arsenal were closing in on a summer agreement with Martin Zubimendi, who was set to move to Liverpool at the start of the season before a controversial change of heart.

Whether it was the lure of the mountains of San Sebastian or the fact Real Sociedad had compelled the player to trigger his own £51million release clause, Zubimendi stayed put and the Reds’ midfield remained untouched.

That didn’t prove much of an issue during Liverpool’s strong start to the campaign. But the inevitable impact of the relentless schedule of high-profile, intense games has exposed some areas in the squad that could do, at the very least, with some extra assistance.

So the question of whether Liverpool should recruit from a position of strength remains, particularly with Manchester City already busy in this month’s window and Arsenal almost certain to follow suit.

Slot, for his part, pointed to the impact of his substitutes here as reason there is enough in hand. But if there’s a deal that can help the Reds boss and his players build on their excellent work so far, it simply has to be done.