The partnership between Jurgen Klopp and Pepijn Lijnders at Liverpool was undeniably successful, but when it comes to identifying the game-changer for the team, the departing manager and his assistant have different opinions. However, both choices hold merit and have played crucial roles in Liverpool’s recent success.
During a Q&A session with club staff at Anfield, Klopp was asked for advice on building a great team. His candid response was to “build it around Bobby Firmino.” This highlights Klopp’s appreciation for Firmino’s unique contributions to the team’s style of play. Firmino’s ability to control the game, create scoring opportunities, and effectively work with teammates in their roles has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success.
On the other hand, Lijnders expressed a different perspective on the most influential player in Liverpool’s triumphs. In an interview with The Redmen TV, he emphasized the importance of goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Lijnders stated, “Without this guy, no chance. No chance, no chance. You need a good, good goalkeeper to win trophies.” Lijnders believes that Alisson’s exceptional goalkeeping skills have been crucial in Liverpool’s ability to secure victories.
It is worth noting that Firmino and Alisson are not the only players who have had a significant impact on Liverpool’s recent achievements. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold also deserve recognition for their contributions to the team.
The fact that Klopp and Lijnders had such a wealth of talented players at their disposal speaks volumes about their ability to not only identify top-quality individuals but also develop their potential. Lijnders acknowledged this when he mentioned that the team’s tactical success was not solely due to their inventiveness but also to the players’ abilities to execute their roles effectively.
Overall, while Klopp and Lijnders may differ in their choice of the most influential player, their views underscore the collective effort and talent that have propelled Liverpool to success. Firmino’s unique role and impact on the team’s style of play, combined with Alisson’s exceptional goalkeeping skills, have been integral to Liverpool’s recent triumphs. However, it is important to recognize the contributions of other key players such as van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold. The success of Liverpool under Klopp and Lijnders is a testament to their ability to identify and nurture talent.