JAKARTA - Three young Liverpool talents, namely goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, right-back Neco Williams and midfielder Curtis Jones, are studded with praise for their important role in securing Champions League last 16 tickets for the Reds by silencing Ajax 1-0 at Anfield, Tuesday local time (Wednesday WIB ).
Kelleher was entrusted by manager Juergen Klopp to guard Liverpool's goal following a hamstring injury that gripped Alisson Becker which was revealed just hours before the start of football.
That trust was paid in full by Kelleher who made at least three saves, including Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's sharp header in front of goal two minutes from time.
"I thought it was an extraordinary performance. Kelleher made two or three brilliant saves," Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said after the match, quoted by Antara from the official UEFA website.
"I think he is extraordinary, we saw him a lot in training sessions. The goalkeeper was great and deserved the opportunity tonight," he added.
Meanwhile, Williams, who in the last few matches has been targeted by opponents because he is considered not too solid to replace the role of Trent Alexander-Arnold, sent a measured cross that Jones finished to become the winner in the 58th minute.
Prior to his goal, Jones had threatened twice in the first six minutes of the match against the Ajax defense, one of whom had outwitted goalkeeper Andre Onana but was denied by the post.
"Kelleher is a super goalkeeper and he's put in top form," said Klopp.
"Neco is another special story. Now his job is to find consistency in appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, something that is not easy," he concluded.
Victory over Ajax ensures Liverpool lock up a knockout ticket as Group D winners regardless of the outcome of their final match against Midtjylland on Wednesday.
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