LIVERPOOL MANAGER JURGEN Klopp heaped praise on promising midfielder Jordon Ibe after the teenager emerged the unlikely hero on Thursday.
Ibe scored his first Liverpool goal seven minutes into the second half to help the visitors beat Rubin Kazan 1-0 in Europa League action, a victory that could prove crucial in the battle to progress from Group B.
Firmino flicked a pass into the path of the 19-year-old, who withstood two opponents and placed a shot in off the inside of the post as Liverpool won in the competition for the first time this season.
Klopp said: “Jordon is a really good lad. “He’s a skilful player and a big talent – fast, strong, good at dribbling
“He has to learn so much but has a real good base. He feels good in this moment. You could see it in this match.
“Like everyone, he has a long way to go. If he’s prepared to listen then he will be very good.”
After three consecutive draws in Group B, Liverpool are now within touching distance of the knockout rounds. Liverpool, who dominated throughout in Russia as James Milner hit the woodwork, can seal progression to the last 32 with a win over Bordeaux next time out.
Klopp added: “The first 80 minutes were really god. “It wasn’t easy to play in such a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium. On that pitch it wasn’t easy for the team to keep possession.
“But we did really well. We would have liked more [goals] but we had our chances. We dominated the first half and we deserved our goal in the second half.
“As in life, we have to learn everything. We have to learn to win. After 1-0 we lost a bit of rhythm. That opened the door a bit for them but we struck back. I am really satisfied with how we played.
“It’s okay. The lads fought for their lives and that was great to see. You could see how much they wanted to win. “We had our chances in the 1-1 draw at Anfield, but [on Thursday] we played much better
“It’s normal, we are four weeks together, more experience together.”
I wonder will it be as good as the Middleweight fight of Froch V Groves 2, which tool place in front of 80,000 people at Wembley. Not many people know that, Froch is very hesitant to mention it.
@Johnny: that wasn’t at middleweight
@Gareth: Super-Middleweight has the word Middleweight in it, so i stand by my comment haha to many branches of divisions these days all for the sake of 3 or 4 pounds.
@Johnny: these days lol
@Johnny: theres an 8 pound difference between middle and super middle
@Cathal Scully: In the lower weight classes there’s 4/5 lb difference in some, my point about weight classes wasn’t directed specifically at Middleweight. Jesus, a man can put a smart comment up here without getting dogs abuse! Haha
Great fights, felt Hagler did enough to win against SRL, Hagler-Hearns was quality
I’m going for Canelo on points, or possibly a late stoppage. I believe he has superior boxing skills, he’s the younger man and he’s the better all round fighter.