Gary Lineker has taken to Twitter to comment on Billy Koumetio after he made his Champions League debut for Liverpool last night.
In fact, having been introduced against FC Midtjylland, the 18-year-old was making his first appearance for the Reds in any competition – what a moment.
After seeing Jurgen Klopp throw the teenager into action, Lineker tweeted the following and revealed two interesting stats.
It appears that Koumetio’s name will now be etched into the Liverpool history books after his introduction against the Danish giants.
Despite playing just 45 minutes, the 2019 signing from New Orleans still managed to impress.
SofaScore shows that Koumetio made a huge seven clearances, while he also recorded three interceptions.
The centre-back – who Klopp described to LFCTV as a ‘big talent’ – also completed three successful long-range passes, and was dribbled past on just one occasion.
Another teenager in 19-year-old Leighton Clarkson also made his Champions League debut for the Reds.
The No.65 kept things ticking over nicely in midfield, completing 41 passes while having 61 touches of the ball.
It may have been a dead-rubber affair, but Klopp deserves praise for handing Champions League experience to the youngsters.
The duo presumably wouldn’t have dreamed of appearing in Europe’s greatest club competition for the first-team this season.
However, injuries all over the Premier League champions’ squad have opened up opportunities for the youngsters.
They’re definitely grabbing their opportunity with both hands.
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