The 16-year-old Dutch defender put in an impressive performance for Liverpool Under-23s in their 1-0 win over their Everton counterparts.
Liverpool may be favourites for next week’s Merseyside derby in the Premier League but when the Under-23s faced their Everton counterparts on Sunday the roles were reserved.
The Reds sit eighth in the 12-team table and had only won three games out of the 10 prior to their trip to Goodison Park, not to mention a 7-0 loss to Villarreal in their Premier League International Cup opener in midweek.
The Toffees, meanwhile, sit top of the Premier League 2 standings and were undefeated in nine games in all competitions ahead of the mini-derby.
However, Liverpool went on to claim a 1-0 win against their city rivals as Adam Lewis’ 20-yard effort came off Rafa Camacho’s leg and wrongfooted goalkeeper Joao Virginia.
One player who stood out for Neil Critchley’s side was right-back Ki-Jana Hoever, who made his full Under-23s debut despite being just 16 years of age.
Signed from Ajax’s academy in September this year after receiving international clearance, the Dutchman – who can also play at centre-half – began life in the Under-18s but has made significant progress.
Some Liverpool fans took to Twitter following the final whistle to praise Hoever, one even suggesting that the youngster could challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold in a few years’ time:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
