Andy Robertson heaped praise on Curtis Jones, Neco Williams and Caoimhin Kelleher and said the young trio were ‘different class’ after Liverpool booked their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 victory over Ajax.
Jones capitalised on a mistake from Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana to score his first ever goal in the competition and the strike was enough to send the Reds into the next round.
Jurgen Klopp has had to rely on many of Liverpool’s academy products in recent weeks and two of them combined in the 58th minute as Jones was assisted by fellow teenager Neco Williams with a looping cross over Onana’s head from the right flank.
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Another major plus for the Merseyside giants was Kelleher’s fine display between the sticks and all three youngsters impressed their manager on the night.
They also earned special praise from Liverpool left-back Robertson, who took to Twitter to hail their performances at Anfield.
‘Two academy lads combining for the goal and another making some incredible saves,’ a delighted Robertson tweeted.
‘Doesn’t get much better than that!
‘All 3 were different class!’
Speaking to BT Sport shortly after the final whistle, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson attributed the side’s recent success to the feeling of ‘togetherness’ and ‘character’ within the squad.
‘We know the injury problem we’ve had of late but I really feel like the togetherness is big inside the dressing room and stuff like this makes us stronger.
‘We showed great character tonight to dig out a three-point win to qualify for the next round which is important for us.
‘It was a very tough game as we knew it would be but I thought the boys were outstanding and gave it everything for the full 90 minutes, deservedly got the win.
‘I thought we should have scored a few more with the counter-attacks and the chances we had so we were unlucky not to win by two or three but, overall, just delighted with the three points and the clean sheet.’
On Jones’ goal, Henderson added: ‘It’s a great finish.
‘I thought Neco overhit the cross but Curtis had gambled that the goalkeeper is going to miss it.
‘Great goal and thankfully that got us the win.’
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