WONDERBOYS
Rookies help Reds reach last-16 as injury worries mount
LIVERPOOL’S young guns helped rubberstamp the club’s spot in the knockout stages last night.
A fine second-half goal from Curtis Jones after good work from fellow rookie Neco Williams helped secure the win over Ajax at Anfield.
And keeper Caoimhin Kelleher – in for the injured Alison – played his part with two good saves in a Euro night to remember.
Alisson was absent from last night’s victory because of a hamstring problem and is facing a fortnight out as Jurgen Klopp’s injury worries mount.
In his absence Klopp gave the nod to 22-year-old Irishman Kelleher ahead of regular deputy Adrian and he didn’t put a glove wrong in a low-key meeting.
Following Midtjylland’s 1-1 1 draw with Atalanta, L iverpool are now confirmed c as Group D winners w and Klopp was quick q to praise his match winner w Jones.
He said: “I have no words for fo him. Curtis Jones, what a game. It’s amazing, I’m really re proud.
“Curtis is a really good kid, k a good player and I am a happy to have him around. Sometimes with injuries there is always an opportunity and he has taken it.”
On the performance of Kelleher, Klopp added: “I am really happy with how calm he was and how good he was.”
Jones announced himself as the next great Liverpool talent when the teenage midfielder scored a sublime goal in a mature display.
And in the process the 19-year-old grabbed a small milestone – his clever strike was the 50th Champions League goal of Klopp’s reign.
Jones, a product of the Anfield academy, tipped an open con t e s t Liverpool’s way just before the hour with the deftest of finishes.
The goal was created by another rising star too, Williams delivering a deep cross from the right that drifted over Ajax keeper Andre Onana to allow Jones to ghost in at the far post.
It was still a difficult chance from a tight angle but the youngster, with the outside of his right boot, made it look so easy.