What Jurgen Klopp did with three Liverpool players John Henry wanted to see more
Liverpool owner John W Henry told Jurgen Klopp to use Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, and Divock Origi more after they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in the 2018/19 season.
Manchester City beat Liverpool to the title by a single point, leaving Klopp devastated as they managed to finish second despite losing just one game all season. Klopp has brought a clear identity to Liverpool since replacing Brendan Rodgers, and is usually left to his own devices by the owners as they trust him to get the best out of their players.
Their recruitment has a major say in transfers, with former sporting director Michael Edwards one of the best in the business while he was at the club. But with Liverpool so close to their first domestic title in 30 years, the owners stepped in to make a request to the manager.
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"We need to get healthy. We need Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back, we need a healthy (Adam) Lallana," Henry told PA ahead of the 2019/20 season. "It's not up to me but I would guess we will see more of Divock (Origi) next year.
"I think he brings something special, he comes with power and speed and brings in scoring. I feel really good about next year." Henry was right to feel good about the season, as Liverpool went on to dominate the Premier League and win the title by 18 points.
Klopp also honoured Henry's request, although all three players are no longer at the club as they didn't fit the long-term direction the club was going in. Here, Mirror Football takes a look at how the players performed after Henry's request, and where their careers took them.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Liverpool made a major statement in 2017, as they splashed out £35 million on Oxlade-Chamberlain from Premier League rivals Arsenal. The versatile midfielder has always shown promise, but injury issues have plagued his career.
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Oxlade-Chamberlain made a bright start, making 32 Premier League appearances and three goals in his first season. However, he missed all but two games the following year through injury, but Henry was keen for Klopp to get him involved upon his return.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain won everything at Liverpool before being released (PA) The midfielder made 30 appearances the season they won the Premier League, scoring four goals and also netting three times in the Champions League group stage. But just when things started to turn for Oxlade-Chamberlain he picked up another injury, and had recurring problems for the rest of his time in Merseyside.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was released at the end of last season, and has since joined Turkish side Besiktas after signing a three-year deal. The midfielder has scored twice in nine games so far for Besiktas, occupying the No. 10 role.
Adam Lallana
Lallana was already at the club when Klopp took charge, and the midfielder quickly became one of his favourites and was even seen as the 'teacher's pet' of the team. This was shown when Lallana scored a late winner in a stunning 5-4 victory away at Norwich, as he ran over to the manager as part of the wild celebrations.
Klopp had a loyal servant in Lallana, but he became more of a squad player towards the end of his time at Liverpool. Lallana played 15 Premier League games for Liverpool after Henry's request, but only started on three occasions, scoring one goal.
Adam Lallana was one of Jurgen Klopp's favourites It ended up being his final goal for the club, as he left Liverpool at the end of the season as a Premier League winner. Lallana moved down south to join Brighton and Hove Albion, where he remains to this day. After completing his three-year deal he signed a further one-year extension this season, and remains a valuable part of the dressing room.
Brighton are entering a new European era for the first time, and Lallana is being used sparingly alongside former Liverpool teammate James Milner for experience. Lallana has made just four Premier League appearances this season.
Divock Origi
Origi became a cult hero during his time at Liverpool, known for scoring big goals in massive games despite not being a regular starter. His biggest goal came in the Champions League final against Tottenham, scoring late in a 2-0 victory after Mohamed Salah scored an early penalty.
Due to Origi's stunning end to the season, Henry saw the talented Belgian becoming a bigger part of the squad, even though getting ahead of Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino wasn't an easy task. But, Klopp agreed, as Origi made 28 Premier League appearances after Henry's request, 16 more than the previous year.
Divock Origi will forever be loved by Liverpool fans for some huge goals (Getty Images) Klopp only played Origi 16 times in the following two seasons before deciding to release the striker in June, 2022. Origi joined AC Milan on a four-year contract. but only lasted one season at the San Siro.
Origi is now back in England, although on loan at Nottingham Forest with an option to buy next summer. Origi has made four appearances this season, but former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi, and Chris Wood, are keeping him out of the side.
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