Michael Owen hailed Caoimhin Kelleher, Neco Williams and Curtis Jones as Liverpool’s three ‘heroes’ from their Champions League victory over Ajax.
The Premier League champions secured a 1-0 victory at Anfield on Tuesday evening to win Group D and progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
Jones’ first Champions League goal, which came after Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana misjudged the flight of Williams’ cross, was enough to separate the sides.
Owen praised the performance of 22-year-old goalkeeper Kelleher – who played in the absence of the injured Alisson – and said he was one of Liverpool’s three ‘heroes’.
He told BT Sport: ‘It was a good night for Liverpool and in particular the three youngsters; the goalkeeper, Neco, who created the goal, and Curtis, who scored it.
‘They were the three heroes on the night. It was a good night for the academy and a good night for Liverpool.’
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand added: ‘Jurgen Klopp will be pleased with that. It’s a bonus that they can rest a few players now.
‘It wasn’t the usual swashbuckling Liverpool side but Klopp won’t care about that.
‘Curtis Jones was the one who you thought would unlock the door. He was creating chances and he was always in and around the penalty box.’
Kelleher, meanwhile, has reflected on his ‘amazing’ Champions League debut after helping Liverpool secure their place in the last-16 of the competition with a group game to spare.
He said: ‘It was an amazing one for me, to make my debut in a Champions League game was massive and we got the win and qualified. A great night.
‘That’s what I’m there for, I work every day in training to make sure I am ready and I was able to make a good few saves.
‘It’s quite easy for me with the players in front of me, they give me good options. We are not here to take part, the young players want to push and play as many games as we can.
‘My phone has been hot since I got in tonight, thanks for all the support.’
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