Jurgen Klopp told his press conference that Liverpool youngsters Leighton Clarkson and Billy Koumetio are ‘really skilled boys’ after they impressed on their Champions League debuts last night.
Liverpool recorded a 1-1 draw against Danish side FC Midtjylland, with teenage midfielder Clarkson starting from the off and his fellow academy product, Koumetio, coming on at half-time.
It’s another set of names to add to the haul of academy products Klopp is unleashing on Merseyside from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Curtis Jones.
Nonetheless, after the game, Klopp shared his thoughts on the Liverpool duo and also warned that they still have a lot to ‘learn’.
“They will [learn],” said Klopp. “We let them have the experience. It’s a wonderful thing to have a first Champions League game but a career is about how many.
“They are really skilled boys and have a lot to learn. They helped us a lot. It was a big night for both. I’m thankful they are as good as they are.”
Liverpool’s trophies under Jurgen Klopp
- Champions League
2018/19
- UEFA Super Cup
2019
- FIFA Club World Cup
2019
- Premier League
2019/20
When Klopp leaves Anfield one day, the biggest legacy he may end up leaving is the crop of youngsters he builds from the bottom up.
Alexander-Arnold has, without a doubt, been his biggest success story during his time at the club, but he’ll be hoping the next lot coming through will follow in his footsteps.
Jones has been playing a regular role in the middle of the park recently and has stepped up amid the injury problems, whilst Neco Williams isn’t just establishing himself on the domestic scene, he is also working wonders on the international stage for Wales.
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