Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes that Jürgen Klopp’s incredible management skills were responsible for Florian Wirtz’s Germany goalscoring appearance.
Heskey thought if anyone in the world could get Wirtz ticking, it would be the German national team boss, and he said it is now up to Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola to repeat the feat.
The former England striker also lauded Jérémy Jacquet’s France appearances, suggesting he could be the man to replace Virgil van Dijk at Anfield in future.
Klopp up with the best
During an exclusive sit-down interview with 10bet, Heskey said of Klopp’s impact on Wirtz: “You’ve got to remember that Jürgen Klopp is probably up there with the best of the best, so he knows how to get the best out of players.
“He knows how players’ minds work. He knows what they want and how they feel, and he’s shown that time and time again – not just with Wirtz, but with every player that he’s come across.
“That’s why there are so many players that mention that they’d love to play under him, because they believe that he could understand them and get the best out of them.”
A Liverpool puzzle for Iraola
When asked if Iraola can afford to give Wirtz the freedom to be Liverpool’s focal point, Heskey added: “I think it’s difficult to say and do.
“If Iraola gave Wirtz that level of freedom, he would be changing his entire team structure for one player.
“Liverpool must figure out how to get the best out of him within the structure that the manager likes.
“A manager is always going to have a structure that he prefers and that he likes, and then he’s got to figure out who fits where best and how he and the players around Wirtz can get the best out of him.
“So, changing everything to suit one player is very tough – the balance of the team and the overall chemistry has to be prioritised.”
Jacquet looks the real deal
Jacquet impressed France manager Zinedine Zidane during the international break, laying down a claim to be Van Dijk’s long-term successor in Liverpool’s defence.
Former Reds striker Heskey stated: “I think that’s where you’ve got to be looking – the heir to the throne, really.
“When Liverpool signed him, they would have been squad planning, succession planning, because as magnificent as Virgil is, we know that he can’t play forever.
“Jérémy Jacquet is showing a lot of talent and a lot of composure.
“Playing alongside Virgil – what a learning experience for the player, what a tutor to have.
“He looks like the man that is going to step into his shoes, so he’s going to learn a lot from him.
“He looks like he could be the real deal.”
READ NEXT: Emile Heskey questions Cole Palmer’s England withdrawals under Thomas Tuchel
