Now seems like a good time to judge Jurgen Klopp’s start at Liverpool. He’s been in charge of seven matches and will now work closely with what’s left of his squad during the international break.
We’ve ranked the five players which have impressed most under the new German boss.
Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke were unlucky to miss out, for us, but do you agree with the decisions?
5) Alberto Moreno
Moreno would likely be higher if it wasn’t for his defensive mistake at Chelsea. Luckily Coutinho made up for him, and we can dwell on the Spaniard’s impressive outings under Klopp instead. He’s rapid, hard working and a real outlet up and down the left flank. In terms of attributes and attitude he could become the best offensive left-back in the Premier League, provided he sorts out some of his defensive mistakes. With Klopp’s narrow playmakers, Moreno’s going to be essential for width.
4) Coutinho
Quiet in Klopp’s first few games, Coutinho well and truly sprung into life at Stamford Bridge just over a week ago, and it’s his performances in our past two Premier League games which earns him a spot in this list. Like any manager, Klopp needs match winners, and Coutinho earned him three points practically on his own against Chelsea, firing two wonderful strikes to down Jose Mourinho’s champions. He followed it up with a goal at Anfield on Sunday to make it three in two, having previously notched three in 17. Klopp’s using him from a left starting position, and if Roberto Firmino can maintain form and fitness in the no.10 role, we’ve got two exceptional creative talents to work in tandem this season.
3) Nathaniel Clyne
Due to our problems at fullback and his own performances, Clyne is one of the first names on Klopp’s team-sheet. He’s played every minute of our seven matches under the new boss so far, bagging a crucial winner in our League Cup tie with Bournemouth. Defensively he’s far more reliable than Moreno on the other flank, although less dynamic when going forward. Still, he’s 24-years-old, and if he continues to develop at this rate he’ll be ours and England’s right-back for the next five years.
2) Lucas Leiva
Lucas is the rock in Klopp’s side, the certainty in central midfield. The Brazilian’s provided a platform in front of our defence and impressed everyone with his decision making and defensive contribution. Not only does he make as many tackles and interceptions as the best anchormen in Europe, but he passes sensibly and dictates our tempo. Lucas was almost sold at the start of the season, but he’s likely moved himself ahead of James Milner and Emre Can in the central midfield pecking order due to his contributions.
1) Mamadou Sakho
Virtually pass and tackle perfect in every fixture. Before the weekend defeat to Crystal Palace, Sakho hadn’t featured in a Liverpool defeat all season, and we perhaps wouldn’t have lost if the Frenchman had stayed on the pitch for the 90 minutes. He’s truly been exceptional, in short – proving leaving him out at the start of the campaign for Dejan Lovren was one of Brendan Rodgers’ worst decisions. Sakho’s been the side’s true captain in Jordan Henderson’s absence – not James Milner – leading from the back. He’s started attacks from deep with crisp forward passes and been a real rock defensively, too. Sakho’s out for eight weeks, and we hope the side can deal with his absence in the run up to Christmas.
