Emile Heskey has hailed Jürgen Klopp for his willingness to give youngsters a chance in the first-team.
While Liverpool have spent big in recent years improving their squad, ensuring chances for their young stars remains a key aspect of Klopp’s reign.
It’s already something that’s brought them great success, with Trent Alexander-Arnold having established himself as one of the best right-backs in world football after breaking through under the German boss.
This season has seen youngsters given an even greater chance, with the increased schedule and injuries forcing Klopp to use the youngsters as part of his rotation.
That’s seen the likes of Nathaniel Phillips, Rhys Williams, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones all coming into the first-team and impressing.
And Heskey believes the Liverpool manager deserves praise for that, saying it separates him from the other Premier League managers.
“That (using youngsters) is the German philosophy. You can see that in the Bundesliga,” he told t-online.
“There are always young players who are ready to give everything for the club. Klopp gives these talents trust and commitment.
“In central defence, he is currently forced to use young players, but it gives them the confidence that they can do it.
“That’s the difference to other coaches. Because in England, coaches are usually only ten bad games away from being fired.
“They prefer not to take any risks and not rely on young talents who may still make mistakes.”
Klopp is currently entering his fifth year in charge at Anfield, having replaced Brendan Rodgers in 2015.
The subsequent five years have seen him build up a positive image in England, particularly given his success in winning the Champions League and Premier League.
Part of the attraction with the Liverpool boss is his open nature, with the German never shy to share his opinion when asked it.
Indeed, it’s something he’s regularly praised for, and Heskey was keen to add to that when asked about the Reds boss.
“He has a very good reputation. But he’s more than just a successful trainer,” he added.
“Klopp is perceived as an honest and trustworthy person. He’s a good leader and infects the whole club with his vision.
“He speaks to everyone at the training site and knows every employee by name. Klopp is just a good guy that everyone plays for and wants to do their best.”
