‘Klopp is building something special’

LIVERPOOL: Manager Juergen Klopp’s leadership is laying the foundations for “something special” at Liverpool, forward Giorginio Wijnaldum has said.

Liverpool have started the new Premier League campaign with 10 points from a possible 15 after a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Friday.

The Merseyside club, who won at Arsenal and also beat champions Leicester City 4-1, were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane following their 2-0 defeat by promoted Burnley last month.

“This is a very talented squad with a great coach,” Wijnaldum, who joined Liverpool from relegated Newcastle United in July, said.

“I believe he is building something special here. I got that feeling when I first met with Klopp.

“I knew this was the right club for me. I always had a good feeling about moving to Liverpool and things have gone well so far. I am happy to be a part of it. I feel blessed.”

The Netherlands international, who scored 11 goals in 38 league appearances for Newcastle last season, is yet to open his account for Liverpool but is confident he will find the back of the net soon.

“I’m learning game by game and I think I’ll continue to get better. I hope the goals will come soon. I’m trying to get in the positions to score,” Wijnaldum added.

“Of course I want to score. I’ve always scored through the years, no matter who I’ve played for.”

Liverpool face Derby County in the League Cup tomorrow before their league campaign continues at home to Hull City on Saturday.

Gareth Barry is the perfect player for Everton, manager Ronald Koeman has said after the midfielder scored in his 600th Premier League appearance to help the club beat Middlesbrough 3-1.

After goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg’s own goal in the 21st minute in Saturday’s clash at Goodison Park, Barry marked his milestone with a goal three minutes later to level the score.

“It’s amazing the number of games Gareth has played and even today he proved to be a perfect player for the team,” Koeman told the club’s website.

“Scoring the goal to make it 1-1 was an important moment in the game and it was a special day for Gareth but even more special that he scored and the team won, and that was still the most important for today.”

The 35-year-old Barry, who has also played for Aston Villa and Manchester City, won 53 caps for England. – Reuters