Liverpool U18s boss Barry Lewtas is delighted with the early impact of Ki-Jana Hoever.

The highly-rated 16-year-old defender has made a big impression at the Academy since his arrival from Ajax in the summer.

“He comes from a good stock," Lewtas said.

“I'd feel embarrassed if I sat here and took credit for him. We know what qualities he's got, we know what he came with, and we certainly know the things he's got to improve on because there are a lot.

“But he's starting from a good level and he's done ever so well in terms of dealing with it mentally. He's only 16 and he's moving into a dressing room full of young men.

"We are all keeping our feet on the floor with him. He's still got a lot to do, sometimes you can ride the wave when you first get into teams, but he knows it's a long process. He's very mature, he's a good boy and he knows he's got lots to improve on.

“He's had tough games, Villarreal was tough, Everton was tough and he dug in near the end. He's done great."