LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Who are Liverpool’s five key players?
It appears that Jurgen Klopp has finally created his Liverpool. The charismatic German has transformed a frankly average side into one that can put down giants in style. Admittedly we struggled against Arsenal and lost to Burnley, but against Spurs, Leicester and Chelsea we looked outstanding.
On our day, we can beat even the best of teams, but it’s the consistency we seem to lack. No matter how good we play, there’s always that point in a match when we look vulnerable.
Jurgen Klopp first focused on improving our attack, and now we have several goal threats and score considerably more. It’s clear he’s now shifting his attention to improving our defence, and already we look better than we did at the beginning of the season.
Klopp effect
The way in which he’s got the players working as a unit is the biggest difference in our team. The likes of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho are no-longer depended upon in the same way.
We have a variety of players competing for places, and I think Klopp has succeeded in creating a positive team attitude. I mean, Sturridge is stropping far less now – even when he’s subbed off.
Despite the whole team performing well recently, there are still several players that are key influences in this side. Previously the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge stood out on their own, but now I believe there’s more player who are key to our success.
The beauty of this is that they don’t all need to play together in order to be effective. The following five ‘key’ players all contribute to the team, even if they don’t all play together.
Here are the five players that I believe are key to Liverpool’s success this season, all of which are highly influential.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Joel Matip
Jurgen Klopp’s defensive bargain looks to be the most influential defender in our squad. Originally, I would have said Dejan Lovren was key to our success, but the several impressive performances by Matip has swayed my views.
The giant centre-back has been incredible since stepping into the Liverpool squad. He’s clever, rather quick and solid at the back. His tackling is impressive, and the way he distributes the ball allows for us to transition play quickly.
So far this season, he’s been the defender stopping dangerous attacks. He’s already shown his ability to help defend set-pieces, and if his form continues he could go on to establish himself as one of the league’s best centre-backs.
ST LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 01: Kevin Strootman of AS Roma (C) and Emre Can of Liverpool FC during the pre-season friendly match between AS Roma and Liverpool FC at Busch Stadium on August 1, 2016 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Luciano Rossi/AS Roma via Getty Images)
Emre Can
Oh how I wish Emre Can would return to our team. The German tank has proven to be a key player under Jurgen Klopp already, adding much more defensive solidarity to our midfield.
You can see the difference when Emre returns to the team. Liverpool look far better defensively, and in keeping possession. His surging runs forward also help start attacks, and he becomes a creative threat from anywhere in the opposition’s half.
He’s an absolute machine, and his presence in midfield is immense. Emre Can currently stands as one of our strongest midfielders, and I think having him in a deeper role this season will help our attackers massively -giving them more freedom on the offensive.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool (14) celebrates with team mates Dejan Lovren as he scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Jordan Henderson
I believe a captain should always be a key player, and despite what others think, I believe Henderson is a key player. He’s stepped up already after returning from injury, growing into a deeper role in the absence of Emre Can.
Jurgen Klopp has shown faith in our captain, and he rewarded that faith with a beautiful goal against Chelsea to bag us the three points. While not the most reliable goal-scorer, Henderson has a habit of stepping up in big games.
The likes of Georginio Wijnaldum have praised the captain for his efforts in the dressing room, and his leadership will be key to the way the team performs this season. I also believe his passing and creative vision will be needed in order to provide for our attacking players. He’s also a very balanced midfielder, effective both defensively and offensively with the engine to provide on both fronts all game.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Philippe Coutinho
Do I really need to explain this one? The Brazilian magician has been one of our top players for the past few seasons. His screamers from range are capable of winning us matches, and when he links up with the other players he creates beautiful pieces of play.
He brings goals, he brings assists, and he adds flair to our attack. Coutinho is a key presence in our side, and there’s been games when he’s simply unplayable. He creates with such vision and can pick a shot well, adding threat.
I believe Jurgen Klopp can still draw the best out of Philippe Coutinho, and boy am I excited to see that.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Sadio Mane of Liverpool gets away from Oscar of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on September 16, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Sadio Mane
The pace and quick play created by Sadio Mane has already proven to be a big addition to the Liverpool side. He’s already displayed his skill for the Red’s, and Mane terrorises defenders to the point of frustration.
He’s relentless in his assaults, and that creates space for those accompanying him in attack. If not focused on, he can beat defenders and score/assist, but when focuses he draws defenders away from the likes of Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge.
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Sadio Mane has given Liverpool what they missed – pace and more goal-threat. If Jurgen Klopp keeps him performing, Mane can be one of the Red’s key men this season.
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