“I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This” – Ragnar Klavan on Former Liverpool Teammate | OneFootball

Analysing Ragnar Klavan’s Liverpool Revelations: Coutinho’s Unmatched Brilliance

Ragnar Klavan, during his solid tenure at Liverpool, witnessed the zenith of many great players. His time at the club, though not lengthy, was marked by the rise of some of football’s brightest stars under Jurgen Klopp’s transformative management. However, one player seemed to have left a lasting impression on him, as revealed in an exclusive interview with DaveOCKOP.

Klavan’s Experience at Anfield

Klavan’s arrival at Liverpool in 2016 from Augsburg marked a period of steadfast defence and unglamorous reliability. Not known for flamboyance, Klavan’s role was essential, not just on the field but in maintaining the squad’s morale and readiness during the Klopp-era rebuilding phase. His account of the dressing room dynamics and training ground exhibitions offers us an invaluable peek into a pivotal era for the Reds.

“I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS,” Klavan remarked about Philippe Coutinho, whose tenure at Liverpool coincided with his own. During training, Coutinho’s ability to glide past multiple defenders with a mix of nimble dribbling and cheeky nutmegs was so impressive that it often left teammates and spectators alike in applause.

Coutinho’s Legacy at Liverpool

Klavan’s admiration for Coutinho is not just about the flair and spectacle. It’s about the Brazilian’s pivotal role during his last months at Liverpool, particularly in the half-year before his big move to Barcelona. Coutinho was not just another player; he was a spectacle of skill and critical influence, the kind that could change the course of games and seasons.

Photo: IMAGO

“Everyone would just clap and applaud him because he was that good. Not that the other players’ level was not high, just that his level that year was exceptionally high,” Klavan explained, highlighting the distinctive nature of Coutinho’s contributions during trainings and matches.

Coutinho’s Impact Beyond Anfield

Philipe Coutinho’s departure in January 2018 for a record £142 million fee marked the end of an era and the beginning of a tumultuous journey for him across Europe’s top leagues. Despite his struggles post-Liverpool, his brilliance at Anfield remains a golden chapter in the club’s storied history.

Klavan’s reflections are tinged with a sense of what might have been, had Coutinho stayed at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp himself once famously said, “I told him stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour. Go somewhere else, to Barcelona, to Bayern Munich, to Real Madrid, and you will be just another player. Here you can be something more.”

This statement seems prophetic now as Coutinho, currently playing in the Qatari League, contrasts sharply with Mohamed Salah, who continues to perform at a world-class level at the same age.

Reflections on a Cult Hero

Ragnar Klavan’s interview not only highlights his own understated but crucial contribution to Liverpool but also underscores the fleeting nature of peak professional football. The Estonian defender, now a revered figure for his resilience and professionalism, offers a unique perspective on the highs and lows of football careers, epitomized by Coutinho’s spectacular rise and the challenges thereafter.

As Klavan’s tales from the training ground resonate with fans, they serve as a reminder of the intense, often unseen battles that define the careers of professional footballers. His narratives enrich the tapestry of Liverpool’s recent history, providing depth and colour to the memories held by fans worldwide.

This insight into a period of great change at Liverpool, through Klavan’s eyes, provides a poignant reminder of the transient yet impactful moments that shape the careers of football’s professionals, making them legends in their own right.