During his time at Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has proven to be a genius in getting the best out of his players and helping produce unexpected stars.
Someone like Andy Robertson is a prime example of a gem unearthed from Hull City that can now be regarded as one of the greatest left-backs to have graced the club’s rich history.
Heading into 2022, we look at three Liverpool players that have made strides and improved their game under the stewardship of their highly-regarded German coach.
Harvey Elliott – When Gini Wijnaldum left Liverpool in the summer, a number of fans were crying out for a replacement to be purchased in the transfer market.
But Klopp ignored those calls and instead provided the chance to a rising teenage star that had just enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
In truth, Tony Mowbray deserves huge credit as well here because he has helped nurture the quick-thinking game of Elliott’s.
Before injury stopped his flying momentum, the 18-year-old showcased a number of promising displays during the first four games of the season and linked up very well with Mo Salah in the inside right channel.
Hopefully, the ankle injury he suffered at Leeds hasn’t affected him too much upon his return in 2022 and he can showcase to the world once more why he is one of the best wonderkids in Europe.
Naby Keïta – It’s been nearly four years since Keïta officially joined the Reds for a then-club record fee of £48 million (BBC Sport).
For large parts, the energetic forward-thinking midfielder struggled to cement his place in Klopp’s workman-like midfield.
It could have been easy for Klopp to part ways with the 26-year-old, but he stuck with him and he is now being rewarded with Keïta producing intelligent, game-changing and robust displays.
Even getting on the scoresheet, including opening the scoring at Old Trafford during that famous 5-0 win in October.
Konstantinos Tsimikas – With one of the world’s best left-backs ahead of you, Tsimikas was always going to find regular game time tough to come by since joining the club in 2020.
Just like when Robertson first arrived, Klopp eased the Greek international in before he started to show glimpses of his magic this season.
One thing both Robertson and his partner in crime, Trent Alexander-Arnold, have been famed for is their delivery from the flanks.
Well, Tsimikas has shown during his time on the pitch this term that he has such a deadly weapon in his locker too, and if anything were to happen to the flying Scotsman, then they have a more than suitable replacement behind him.
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