Jurgen Klopp’s appointment as Liverpool boss was followed by widespread euphoria among the Anfield faithful, with the German trainer arriving on Merseyside with a venerable reputation in the European game.
His exploits at Borussia Dortmund suggest that the Reds have hired a man capable of getting the best from the current squad, with the coach’s track record in developing young players very impressive also.
However, there is no doubting that Klopp has one eye on the transfer window and will want to bring new players to Anfield to strengthen the collective.
With this in mind, all the current players, bar a select gifted few, will be currently playing for their futures at the club, with a handful set to be deemed surplus to requirements either in January or at the end of the current campaign.
Despite Klopp’s influence in helping certain stars already becoming evident, some of the Merseyside contingent have not thrived since the German arrived at Anfield… here are THREE that are struggling.
Joe Allen
The Wales international midfielder has shown that he is fully capable of excelling in the Premier League, but looks likely to have to leave Anfield to prove himself.
The former Swansea man finds himself well down Klopp’s pecking order in midfield, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Lucas Leiva and Emre Can ahead of him in selection.
Allen was a player favoured by Brendan Rodgers due to their mutual time together at the Liberty Stadium and it is worth questioning whether the Welshman would have ended up at Anfield without the Northern Irishman’s appointment.
As such, with Rodgers now gone and Allen down the queue in midfield, his future looks to be elsewhere.
Divock Origi
The young Belgian attacker was a player Klopp was interested in signing when at Dortmund, which would seem to bode well for his chances of playing.
Origi got a chance to feature in the German’s early games as boss due to injuries to others, but in recent weeks has been shunted to the fringes in no uncertain terms.
With Christian Benteke back available, Daniel Sturridge set to return and Roberto Firmino also being used as the furthest man forward on occasion, the former Lille star looks set to have very few chances to play.
Although Klopp could well help Origi improve with his coaching, a loan stint elsewhere in January would not seem like the worst option.
Kolo Toure
Another of Rodgers’ signings, the veteran Ivorian has been given the chance to impress a new manager and stake a claim in the starting XI.
However, apart from cup outings, Toure has been firmly a fringe figure since the arrival of Klopp and someone that is likely to remain on the bench as the season progresses.
An injury to Mamadou Sakho in the defeat to Crystal Palace last time out gave Klopp a chance to show his defensive preferences, with Dejan Lovren given the nod to replace the France international ahead of the African.
As such, Toure looks to have a limited future at Anfield under Klopp and could well be on his way out of the club.
