Jurgen Klopp Identifies One Premier League Player 'the Whole Country Is Afraid Of'

• Jurgen Klopp recently admitted the whole country is afraid of one Manchester City player
• Liverpool went three points clear at the top of the table after a 4-2 win over Newcastle
• Their win took them five points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has singled out one player who ‘the whole country is afraid of’.

The Reds are arguably the team to beat this season, as they sit top of the table thanks to slip-ups from Arsenal and Manchester City in December 2023.

A comprehensive 4-2 win over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day ensured Klopp’s side began the year on a high, as they went three points clear of their closest rivals, Aston Villa.

But despite enjoying a healthy lead at the top of the table, Klopp refuses to get comfortable, especially with Manchester City’s recent history of making remarkable comebacks to win the league.

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One player in particular appears to have the respect of Jurgen Klopp, who is wary of his potential impact once he returns from injury.

Before the Newcastle game, Klopp spoke to Sky Sports where he admitted concern over the return of Kevin de Bruyne.

While reiterating that Liverpool were yet to win anything, Klopp emphasized the need to stay focused since a lead at the table can slip in a matter of weeks.

"It’s all positive. There’s no doubt about that,” Klopp said.

He added: “But last week - it feels like a few hours ago - Arsenal were running away with it. If you speak today about it then you will say, ‘That’s it for them’. Tottenham were out. Now they’re back in.

“Kevin De Bruyne is warming up. The whole country is starting to shake.”

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Meanwhile, Man City’s boss expressed positivity over De Bruyne’s comeback from injury.

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The Belgian playmaker was on the bench for City’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United. Guardiola said after the match that he was ‘close’ and could return for the Newcastle clash on Saturday, January 13.

“It’s a lot of time he’s been out. But he’s close and training good and he will start to get minutes to get to his best,” Guardiola said as quoted on the Man City website.

“It’s incredible news. It’s so important.”

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Sports Brief also reported on Mohamed Salah’s rankings among the greatest-ever African players.

Salah signed off the Premier League with a perfect performance that fans expect to see in Cote d'Ivoire during the 2023 AFCON.

His two goals for Liverpool against Newcastle took him to 150 Premier League goals for a single club, becoming just the fifth player to achieve that feat.