One of the most enthusiastic coaches in the world, Jürgen Klopp’s passion is infectious. The German coach has also earned his fair share of successes over the years managing the sides Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at the eleven best players Klopp’s has coached to date.
Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski bagged 103 goals in 187 appearances during his four-year tenure under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund. The prolific goalscorer also helped the team win Bundesliga twice, a DFB Pokal, and a Champions League runner-up in the 2013/13 season.
Mats Hummels
A top ball-playing defender, the German Mats Hummels also excels in powerful tackles and perfectly timed interceptions. A valuable component of the German team that won the World Cup in 2014, he also powered Borussia Dortmund to two titles, a German Cup, and a UEFA Champions League runners-up in 2013.
Marco Reus
Arguable one of Klopp’s top signings, the wide attacker Marco Reus helped propel Klopp’s Dortmund side to the 2013 Champions League final in his first season. The now 29-year-old now has 107 goals in 220 appearances along with 73 assists to date.
Ilkay Gundogan
German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan played a central role in Dortmund’s advancement to the 2012/13 Champions League finals. While he won runner-up, he and Klopp won Bundesliga in 2011/12 along with a DFB-Pokal that same year.
Shinji Kagawa
The Japanese attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa excelled under Klopp’s supervision, scoring 29 goals in 71 goals. He won two Bundesliga titles under Klopp along with one DFB-Pokal which he later repeated on his return visit to Dortmund after a stint at Manchester United.
Nuri Sahin
The central midfielder Nuri Sahin was once the youngest player to make his debut in the Bundesliga at the age of sixteen. He’s also the youngest scorer in Bundesliga history. Sahin’s trophy vault includes a Bundesliga title, a DFL-Supercup, and runners-up in Champions League.
Mario Gotze
Mario Gotze was once Klopp’s most prized players before he left for Bayern Munich. He won two Bundesliga and a DFB-Pokal with Klopp and famously scored the game-winning goal to help Germany win the World Cup in 2014.
Mohamed Salah
Mo Salah’s record-breaking 2017 season saw him score 43 goals across all competitions and earn both the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Football Writers’ Player of the Year awards. In addition to winning the Premier League Golden Boot with 32 domestic goals, he also helped lead the team all the way to the Champions League finals where Liverpool lost to Real Madrid.
Virgil Van Dyk
Liverpool broke the world-record defensive fee to sign defender Virgil van Dijk for £75 million from Southampton in December 2017.
He has since transformed into the backbone of the defense for the Reds. The commanding Dutchman played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Champions League title in 2019 after before losing the finals to Real Madrid the year before.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino has been a stud for Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. He’s scored 55 times in his 153 appearances with the club. Given his work ethic, he’s also considered the central piece of The Reds counteract system.
Philippe Coutinho
Signed prior to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool appointment, Philippe Coutinho nonetheless improved his game under the German coach given his position on the left wing. He scored 54 goals in just over 200 matches with The Reds.
Sadio Mane
Possibly Klopp’s best-signing, the Senegalese winger Sadio Mane keeps Liverpool opponents on edge with his attacking style and pace. With 41 goals in 90 matches and runners-up in the Champions League, he and Klopp look to continue to keep Liverpool pushing forward together.
