Jurgen Klopp has praised the work of the Liverpool academy after watching his younger players shine in Sunday’s 2-0 friendly victory over Wigan Athletic.
Sixteen-year-old forward Ben Woodburn scored his second goal inside a week, adding to Danny Ings’ opener, while Ryan Kent (19), Trent Alexander-Arnold (17) and Ovie Ejaria (18) all played at the DW Stadium.
“It’s the proof of the good work of the youth department, of the Academy of LFC,” Klopp told liverpoolfc.com. “I need to be blind not to see the talent of these boys – I have nothing to do with their qualities. I would like to say I have had a big influence on them but it’s not true.
“My biggest skill is I am patient, so I can wait and we will wait until these guys are really ready. It’s about timing but they are in a good way and we will never forget them, that’s for sure.”
Phillipe Coutinho returned to action after his Copa America campaign with Brazil and twice hit the woodwork, while new signing Joel Matip limped off late on but Klopp is hoping the ankle injury is “not too serious”.
Liverpool have another friendly at Huddersfield Town on Wednesday before embarking on a tour of the US.
