Klopp thrilled as rising Pool star Woodburn signs a five-year deal

LIVERPOOL youngster Ben Woodburn has signed a new fiveyear contract at the Anfield club after recently turning 18.

This follows a remarkable 12 months for the forward, who became Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer last November when he netted in a League Cup tie against Leeds United.

He went on to make nine firstteam appearances in the 2016-17 season before being voted the club’s Academy Player of the Year.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Woodburn for his “perfect balance of talent and attitude” and admitted he was not surprised by the news.

“This is brilliant news, although without sounding complacent, it is absolutely not a surprise,” he said. “Ben knows how committed we are to him and he and his family know this is the best environment for him to grow and become even better.

“What a talent this young man is. We don’t call him the Prince of Wales for nothing.

“Ben is that perfect balance of talent and attitude. To fulfil your potential at the highest level you need to have the maximum of both.”

Woodburn also made his senior bow for Wales last month, marking his appearance with a vital goal in his side’s World Cup qualifier against Austria.

This season the Welshman has made one senior appearance, featuring in Liverpool’s 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat at Leicester.