Alan Shearer was impressed by Liverpool debutant Ki-Jana Hoever against Wolves in the FA Cup on Monday, pinpointing his passing as one of his best attributes.
The 16-year-old came on for centre-back Dejan Lovren in the sixth minute for his first appearance for the Reds senior side, and Shearer has been rather impressed by how the youngster has handled the pressure of making his debut.
The Match of the Day pundit has been particularly impressed by Hoever’s passing throughout the first half despite the overall lack of quality from the team.
“It’s brilliant for him to be thrusted into this game unexpectedly. His first few touches were lovely, the way he clips those little balls up. There is a lack of – as we have mentioned – movement anyway from the centre-forwards, so it’s going to be difficult,” he said on BBC One’s broadcast of the tie [7/01].
“Other than one occasion, he has been magnificent, perhaps too much confidence. But in general, his passing, positional play has been very, very impressive.”
OPINION
This is quite the match to be thrown into when you are so young, but if Shearer’s comments on Hoever are anything to go by, then the youngster is handling the pressure of his debut very well. He no doubt did not expect to come on as so soon as he did, but one thing is for sure – he has rather impressed in his first appearance for the senior side. Yes, being young means that he can be over confident, just as Shearer pointed out – but that has not affected his overall play. He must come away from this match knowing that he did all he can – as it is not often that a 16-year-old comes on and is so assured with their passing. He was just that, and Jurgen Klopp was no doubt impressed by what he saw of the youngster on Monday night. It remains to be seen if he will be given another opportunity after this one – but it cannot be ruled out entirely.
