Klopp's Individual, Hands On Approach Paying Dividends for Brad Smith

Liverpool have been linked to a number of left backs so far this pre-transfer season, to the satisfaction of those who are looking for an upgrade for hoverboard enthusiast Alberto Moreno. Failing signing an upgrade, Liverpool still have Jon Flanagan and Brad Smith waiting in the wings, with the young Australian enjoying his Melwood revitalization under Klopp's tutelage.

"He's a great manager, he's a bit crazy," Smith said after an international break spent on duty with the Australian national team. "He's really hands on with all the players, individually goes and talks to me about what he thinks I need to work on and it's to work on my defensive play, because he likes me going forward, so he's got me to work on that really.

"It was a crazy season coming back to Liverpool, the manager took a liking in me and gave me a few chances. It's going well but it's a big club and naturally I'm not in the squad every week. He sat me down and told me that's going to happen because of the big players there. Every chance I get, I'm enjoying it."

Smith isn't the first nor will he be the last player to praise Klopp for his personalized approach to his squad. For a player like Smith who was stuck in contract limbo six months ago, it's a major vote of confidence for the future of his Liverpool career. Smith still has a long way to go before he'll prove himself as a regular Premier League starter, but it's a journey made significantly easier with the backing of the German manager.