Ex-Liverpool striker Crouch hails Klopp for midfield rebuild

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has sung the praises of manager Jurgen Klopp over his rebuilding of their midfield.

Crouch was speaking ahead of today's derby against Everton.

He told the Liverpool Echo: I think the signings in midfield, they have made some good signings. There were a few issues in the window, the window wasn't perfect for Liverpool with the two midfielders that went to Chelsea.

They were obviously interested in those, but having said that, I think they still moved very quickly. I look at their midfield now and I think it's class.

"Dominik Szoboszlai looks the real deal. Someone mentioned to me that he was the Hungarian Steven Gerrard. I can't disagree at the moment. I think that he's a class act and is only going to get better. He's a player that the fans have really taken too.

That whole midfield as well, Gravenberch coming in in the window. I love him, I really like him and he's going to excite Liverpool fans.

There has been some good signings. They had disappointment in the window but came out of it doing reasonably well."

He continued: Fabinho has been such a stalwart in that midfield, Henderson as well. You could pick that three in midfield every single week with Wijnaldum as well when they were winning things.

But then Wijnaldum moves on and there is a little loss of form in there and it's a transitional period last year. I don't think there was any way that the players were going to allow themselves to play.

There was a loss of form for quite a few of the players last year. They will have gone away in the summer and thought we can't let that happen and I think that's why you're seeing the start you're seeing.

There are some top, top players there that did not perform last year to the ability they have. I think this year you will see the levels up. They've made some astute signings and hopefully the feel-good factor will continue.

This year it feels like they are getting back to where they are. Last year was a year to forget, but they have made signings. They are getting back to it and I think they will be able to compete with Man City again soon."