Liverpool U23s boss Michael Beale says Pedro Chirivella is ready for the next step.

The Spanish midfielder enjoyed a full 90 in victory over Sunderland on Sunday.

Beale told the Liverpool Echo: “Pedro has always been highly thought of by the Academy staff.

“Brendan Rodgers had him and Jurgen has had him too. A lot of good people think he's a top player.

“I think the adjustment to English football has happened now, he's fully acclimatised. Before there were some games where he would get railroaded, if you like. But he's becoming a young man now and carrying his body well.

“It's similar to Ovie (Ejaris) in a way. Now, they're able to withstand 90 minutes at that intensity a lot easier.

“That was Pedro's first 90 minutes this season, which is great. I thought out of midfield three, he was the pick today, and there's some talent in that three."