Published 19:47 IST, January 17th 2020

Jurgen Klopp 'creating superstars, not just buying them' claim backed by Forbes report

A number of Premier League fans pointed out the hefty purchases of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson for then-world record fees for their position. Keep reading.

Reported by: Colin DCunha
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Earlier this week, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claimed that Liverpool weren't buying superstars . They were rather making them. His comments, however, received some backlash on social media. A number of Premier League fans pointed out the hefty purchases of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson for then-world record fees for their position. The likes of Fabinho and Naby Keita also put a dent in Liverpool's finances. However, a Forbes report has now backed Jamie Carragher's claims. 

Also Read | Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool: From 'Heavy Metal Football' To A Well-Oiled Machine

Advertisement

Premier League: Forbes report details massive increase in Liverpool's squad worth

According to a Forbes report, the season Jurgen Klopp took charge at Anfield, Liverpool's squad was worth an estimated £360 million. With the likes of Joe Allen, Alberto Moreno, Simon Mignolet and Christian Benteke in the squad, an estimate of £360 million appears respectable.

However, after their Champions League triumph, the magnitude of Liverpool's squad worth more than tripled. In 2019, the Forbes report stated that Liverpool's squad was worth an estimated £1.83 billion. With just three £50 million+ purchases over the years, the estimate of £1.83 billion is, by all means, staggering. 

Advertisement

Also Read | Liverpool Team Of The Decade: Jurgen Klopp And Co. End The Decade With Returning Legacy

Jurgen Klopp has long been heralded for his talent to nurture the players to take the next step. The likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski were the beneficiaries of the German's excellent man-management skills at Borussia Dortmund. At Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp seems to have taken another step in man-management himself.

Advertisement

Virgil van Dijk put in some dominating performances at Southampton in the Premier League. However, the Dutchman looked nowhere near as assured as he does in a Liverpool shirt. Fabinho was a long-term target of Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Champions League-winning goalkeeper Alisson spent just one season as AS Roma's No.1 before Jurgen Klopp opted to secure his signing. With the signings of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp went about setting up a strong spine for his Liverpool team. 

Advertisement

Also Read | Jurgen Klopp Extends Liverpool Stay; How Rival Managers Reacted To The Announcement

The German also brought in Andrew Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum from relegated clubs Hull City and Newcastle, while helping captain Jordan Henderson tap into his full potential. Jurgen Klopp's decision to convert Roberto Firmino into a playmaker-cum-striker also paid dividends, with the Brazilian reinventing the No. 9 role in the last couple of seasons. 

Advertisement

Also Read | Pep Guardiola And The Dark Cloud Of The "Chequebook Manager"

19:46 IST, January 17th 2020