Jurgen Klopp has expressed his delight as the fruits of Liverpool‘s youth academy impressed against Stoke City, but insisted that Nigerian wonderkid Sheyi Ojo has a way to go.
In light of the Reds’ Europa League draw with Borussia Dortmund on Thursday, and ahead of their return leg against Klopp’s former club at Anfield this week, the German coach opted to shuffle his pack against the Potters in the Premier League on Sunday.
The likes of Ojo and Kevin Stewart have been given game time in the cup competitions under Klopp this season, but the manager’s gamble against Mark Hughes’s side paid off, as the Reds romped to victory.
Alberto Moreno, Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi (twice) scored in the Merseysiders’ 4-1 victory, as Liverpool’s heavily rotated side put Stoke to the sword.
Ojo played for a half on the right flank, while Kevin Stewart played for the full match in the heart of the midfield, shining alongside two-assist James Milner.
Speaking after the match, as per the Express, Klopp has admitted—excitedly—that while Ojo didn’t play the ‘perfect game’ he is a ‘good boy’, and praised Stewart’s mature showing.
“Kevin had two difficult moments, the first two passes didn’t reach the targets and so of course he will get nervous, but he came easily back into the game with heart and smart challenges. He showed really good positioning,” Klopp began, discussing the 22-year-old’s performance.
“And the same for Ojo. It’s more important than if he would have played a perfect game today and set a level and everybody would be waiting for him to jump over this.,” the coach continued.
“He is a good boy, he has a way to go, no problem. After three, four moments on the right wing, to do what he did on the left [for Sturridge’s goal] with the dribbling and the cross was really brilliant and then Daniel finished perfectly.”
“I was really happy for them that we could give them the opportunity today. Both deserved it,” the manager concluded.
SEE MORE:
Carragher can’t help gloat at Manchester United misery after Tottenham thrashing
Underperforming Liverpool striker urged to prove his worth and earn a new contract
Sky Sports pundit makes unflattering comparison between Manchester United & Barcelona
“A lot more players from the young lads deserved it, like Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan. They’re all in a really good way, and a few more, so that’s cool.”