Lack of Liverpool transfers led to ‘massively impressive’ teenager, says Jurgen Klopp

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Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool are seeing the benefit of a lack of transfers. Harvey Elliott, to name one, showed how he can thrive.

Liverpool made a controversial decision in the summer – they didn’t replace Gini Wijnaldum. Even with the entire transfer window to work with, the Reds avoided any midfield signings.

And that was a brave decision. Wijnaldum was the most reliable midfielder at the club, playing to a high level and able to stay fit for an entire campaign. Without him, Liverpool had a mix of elite midfielders with questionable fitness records and relatively unproven youngsters.

But Jurgen Klopp believes that’s not actually a bad thing. In fact, it’s led to improvements where there otherwise wouldn’t have been.

Jurgen Klopp on Liverpool youngsters

“I think because the team stayed together for a long time now, we maybe lost Gini last year but the majority of the team stayed together and it helps us develop things,” said Klopp, per the Liverpool Echo.

“That’s why when you have a core group that play together for a while, then you can put in younger players as well.

“Like we did at the beginning of the season with Harvey [Elliott], who was absolutely outstanding and massively impressive in that period. When you bring in Curtis [Jones], the way he performs is because we are stable and because of his talent. And now Tyler [Morton] is coming in and that’s possible because of how the rest around him works.”

Klopp is unquestionably correct that Liverpool have seen a massive benefit from this. Elliott, in particular, was sensational to kick off the season before his injury. Jones has been remarkable at stages, too, while Morton exceeded all expectations with a fine performance at San Siro.

But really, Liverpool are getting away with the lack of transfers by certain squad players really stepping up. Without that, the improving kids would be more of a happy silver lining than a reason not to sign players.

As things stand, though, Klopp should absolutely shout about the improving youngsters. Their midfield could well involve several homegrown stars in the next few years, saving millions and handing the squad an extra degree of strength. After all, these are players who know exactly what Liverpool want and how to deliver it.

It’s yet another positive in what’s shaping up to be a highly promising season.