Michael Mongie thinks that Klopp can make Divock Origi world class and give Philippe Coutinho the extra push he needs to take his game to the next level.
When Fenway Sports Group announced that Jürgen Klopp would be the manager to take over after Brendan Rodgers dismissal, supporters were in seventh heaven. Visions of fast counter attacking football left fans misty eyed. I imagine that YouTube videos containing clips of Klopp’s Dortmund team were watched over and over in anticipation of what was to come.
A notion that is mentioned regularly is that Liverpool’s German manager is a magician when it comes to developing young talent into world class players who dominate European football today. Roberto Lewandowski, signed for €4.5 million has grown into one of the deadliest forwards in the world. Mats Hummels, brought in for €4 million is one of the most formidable defenders in Europe. Marco Reus, signed from Borussia Monchengladbach for €17.1 million is one of the most skilled wingers around.
These players are world class today due to Klopp’s expert man-management. So what can we expect from him at Liverpool?
In Klopp’s very first Premier League game in charge he played Divock Origi in place of £32.5 million man, Christian Benteke. On his day, the latter is a superb forward and unplayable. However, from the off Klopp identified Origi as a player who is suited to his high-pressing style. While the young Belgian is still very much a diamond in the rough this is how Klopp prefers to inherit players.
Origi was told by his manager that in order to succeed in the Premier League and in his system he would need to bulk up, and that’s exactly what he did. A few months later there was a very visible difference in the former Lille striker’s build. He went up a full shirt size and very soon defenders were finding it difficult to shrug off the youngster.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
When Lewandowski arrived at Dortmund he seemed unsuited to Klopp’s intensive and energetic style of play but within a few years he was feared by defenders across the continent. Origi is far more suited to life under Klopp so if the Belgian can undergo a similar development under Klopp’s guidance we’ll find ourselves watching yet another world-class forward week after week at Anfield.
There are many people who seem to believe that Philippe Coutinho is world-class, I don’t think he has quite reached that point where it is undeniable that he has that pedigree to his game.
Last season, Coutinho was the man for the big moments. His performances against Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Manchester City are a testament to this. He pops up at the right times with an important goal or an assist to help Liverpool get results but there is one issue. His inability to deliver the goods on a consistent basis holds me back from being able to confidently say that he is a world-class creative talent.
Klopp, at his uncompromising best, will demand the utmost from Coutinho this season. Last season was a free ticket for all involved at Liverpool. The fact that Klopp came in mid-season meant that there weren’t any real expectations for the former Mainz and Dortmund manager to achieve anything. This season, however, the pressure will be on so therefore Klopp will be more demanding than ever.
If Klopp can get the best out of Coutinho then it is difficult to see why Liverpool can’t be successful.
Liverpool have a very bright future with Klopp at the helm. Divock Origi and Philippe Coutinho are two of the most exciting Premier League talents. I am fully confident that under Klopp both will continue in their development and help bring silverware to Merseyside.