Revealed: Jurgen Klopp’s Pick for Best Player Ever Managed – And It’s Not Who You Think
For years, football fans have debated who the best player is in the world, and for managers, the question might be who is the best player they’ve *ever* managed. Former Liverpool maestro, Jurgen Klopp, a coach synonymous with developing world-class talent, has already answered this very question. Surprisingly, his choice isn’t Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, or even Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool icons who flourished under his guidance.
Jurgen Klopp, throughout his illustrious 23-year managerial career, has had the privilege of coaching some of football’s brightest stars. From his early days at Borussia Dortmund to his trophy-laden spell at Liverpool, Klopp has consistently elevated players to new heights, achieving remarkable team success along the way. He became a legend at Anfield, securing every major trophy available to the club, including the coveted Premier League title and the Champions League. His Liverpool teams were known for their high-energy, attacking football and intense rivalries, most notably with Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City side.
Jurgen Klopp’s Best Player: Lewandowski Shines Above Liverpool Stars
Given Klopp’s phenomenal success at Liverpool and the galaxy of stars he coached there, many would naturally assume his ‘best ever’ player would hail from his Anfield tenure. However, when speaking to German media outlet BILD in a 2021 interview, Klopp revealed a different answer.
“To be honest, it wouldn’t be fair to say this about any other player except Lewy [Robert Lewandowski],” Klopp stated definitively. The player Klopp crowned as his best is none other than Polish goal-scoring machine, Robert Lewandowski.
Why Lewandowski Earned Klopp’s Highest Praise
Klopp elaborated on his choice, emphasizing Lewandowski’s incredible development and dedication. “What he has made out of his potential, how he pushed himself to become the player he is today, that’s extraordinary,” Klopp explained. It’s not just about natural talent, but the relentless work ethic and commitment to self-improvement that truly impressed Klopp.
Klopp used an insightful analogy to illustrate Lewandowski’s exceptional growth: “If every player had a development similar to Lewandowski, from when I first saw him at Lech Poznan, then the football world would be completely crazy.” He painted a picture of a footballing utopia where every player maximizes their potential and becomes a complete footballer. “All players would win all their duels, the full-backs would complete all their crosses, the midfielders would be strong in one-against-ones, the wingers would tackle and play precise long balls.” This highlights Klopp’s deep admiration not just for Lewandowski’s current world-class level, but for the remarkable journey he undertook to reach it.
Their paths crossed at Borussia Dortmund from 2010 to 2014. During this period, Lewandowski blossomed into a top European striker under Klopp’s tutelage. He then made a high-profile move to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, where he continued his goal-scoring exploits and ironically, later played under Pep Guardiola, Klopp’s Premier League rival.
Jurgen Klopp and Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund (Credit:Getty)
Robert Lewandowski’s career trajectory since then firmly cements his place among the elite. He has gone on to establish himself as one of the most prolific strikers in world football, boasting over 600 career goals in more than 800 club appearances. Currently, he continues to showcase his talent at Barcelona, proving age is just a number.
While Klopp’s admiration for Lewandowski is clear, it’s worth noting his comments were made a few years ago. Football is dynamic, and opinions can evolve. Perhaps his perspective might have shifted with new experiences and player development.
Interestingly, Lewandowski himself has expressed significant respect for both Klopp and Guardiola, his former managers. “[Klopp] has two faces,” Lewandowski revealed in a 2020 interview with ESPN, highlighting Klopp’s multifaceted approach to management. “You can see that he is kind of like a father, but the second part is like a coach, a manager. He can tell you everything.”
Lewandowski further emphasized Klopp’s impact: “His performance as a coach is amazing,” he added, “But not only as a coach but also as a man.” This mutual respect underscores the strong bond between Klopp and Lewandowski, a partnership that produced spectacular results and continues to be celebrated in football.
Who do you think is the best player Jurgen Klopp has ever managed? Share your thoughts in the comments below!