Klopp names favourite Premier League player outside Liverpool in transfer hint
Jurgen Klopp has declared Jarrod Bowen as his "favourite player" outside of his Liverpool squad.
The West Ham star scored for the Hammers as they were well beaten in the last eight of the Carabao Cup at Anfield. Bowen started in attack and finished impressively, albeit his effort was little more than a consolation.
Bowen stepped up from the Championship to the Premier League several years ago and has gone from strength to strength at the London Stadium. The 27-year-old is on track to register his best tally in front of goal having already netted ten times in the league with Klopp singling out the forward for praise.
He said before their cup tie: "West Ham is a physically really strong team, David is doing an incredible job, I have to say. They are good again, though in Europe, it's really impressive. Injuries issues as well. Playing without Antonio, and Bowen steps up in that position. [He is] probably my favourite player besides all my players I have to say. It's great what he is doing and how he has developed."
Two years ago Bowen scored 18 times for the Hammers and followed that up with 13 goals last term. Already this campaign he's got 11 to his name with the player being linked with a move to a top-six club in the past, Liverpool among them.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rushThe West Ham star would appear to suit the system implemented by Klopp at Anfield, albeit the German is not short of attacking options. Already the Liverpool boss is trying to keep the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz all happy.
Bowen's efforts have seen him called up to Gareth Southgate's England squad in the past but the player appears extremely settled at West Ham and signed a new seven-year contract back in November.
Speaking after he signed his long-term deal Bowen said: "I'm so pleased to have signed a new long-term contract at West Ham. Everyone knows what this Club means to me, so committing my future until 2030 means so much to me and my family."