What Happened to Jurgen Klopp’s First Liverpool Starting XI
When Jurgen Klopp took charge of Liverpool in October 2015, few could have imagined the transformation he would bring to Anfield. His first game, a 0-0 draw against Tottenham, marked the beginning of an era defined by intensity, pressing, and passion. Nearly a decade later, none of the players from that debut lineup remain at the club. Here’s what happened to each of them.
Simon Mignolet – Club Brugge
Klopp’s first-choice goalkeeper at Liverpool, Mignolet was reliable but prone to costly errors. He eventually lost his spot to Loris Karius and later Alisson Becker before leaving in 2019. Since then, he has become a key figure at Club Brugge, winning multiple Belgian league titles and surpassing 200 appearances.
Nathaniel Clyne – Crystal Palace
Once Liverpool’s regular right-back, Clyne’s promising career was disrupted by injuries. The emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold forced him out of Klopp’s plans, and he rejoined Crystal Palace in 2020. Still a dependable defender, he has found stability and consistency back at Selhurst Park.
Martin Škrtel – Retired
The Slovakian center-back was known for his physical style and commitment but didn’t quite fit Klopp’s high-pressing tactics. Sold to Fenerbahçe in 2016, he later had brief stints in Italy and Slovakia before retiring in 2022. Škrtel remains fondly remembered by Liverpool fans for his warrior-like approach.
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Mamadou Sakho – Free Agent
Sakho showed potential but struggled with discipline issues during Klopp’s early years. After a fallout with the manager, he joined Crystal Palace and later moved to Montpellier. In 2023, he left the French club following a dispute and is currently without a team.
Alberto Moreno – Como
Moreno was dynamic going forward but often unreliable in defense. He left Liverpool in 2019, which opened the door for Andy Robertson’s rise. After a successful spell at Villarreal, including a Europa League triumph, he now plays for Italian side Como under manager Cesc Fàbregas.
Emre Can – Borussia Dortmund
A talented and versatile midfielder, Can left Liverpool for Juventus in 2018 on a free transfer. His time in Italy was underwhelming, but he rejuvenated his career at Borussia Dortmund. Now the club captain, he led Dortmund to the 2024 Champions League final and remains an important figure in German football.
Lucas Leiva – Retired
Lucas was one of Liverpool’s most respected professionals, admired for his loyalty and defensive intelligence. After leaving for Lazio in 2017, he enjoyed five strong seasons in Serie A. He returned home to Grêmio in 2022 but was forced to retire a year later due to health concerns.
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Adam Lallana – Retired
A technically gifted midfielder, Lallana flourished under Klopp’s system but was frequently held back by injuries. After leaving Liverpool in 2020, he played for Brighton before ending his career with his boyhood club, Southampton. He has since joined Southampton’s coaching staff.
Philippe Coutinho – Vasco da Gama
Liverpool’s Brazilian playmaker was the star of Klopp’s early years before leaving for Barcelona in a €160 million deal in 2018. The move failed to meet expectations, and Coutinho later had short spells with Bayern Munich and Aston Villa. He returned to Brazil in 2024 to play for Vasco da Gama.
James Milner – Brighton
Signed from Manchester City in 2015, Milner became one of Klopp’s most dependable and versatile players. After eight seasons and over 300 appearances for Liverpool, he joined Brighton in 2023. Even in his late thirties, his leadership and professionalism continue to stand out in the Premier League.
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Divock Origi – AC Milan
Origi was never a regular starter but became a Liverpool cult hero thanks to his dramatic goals in key matches, including the 2019 Champions League final. He joined AC Milan in 2022 but struggled to make an impact and later spent a loan spell at Nottingham Forest. His future remains uncertain, but his legacy at Anfield is secure.
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