- Klopp discusses Solanke form, after striker’s second start of the season at the weekend
- Young Englishman didn’t score, but did relatively well overall
- Some fans confused by his selection ahead of Roberto Firmino, though
- SEE MORE: Watch Sadio Mane goal, as Solanke assists v Stoke on full PL debut
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp gave an honest appraisal of Dominic Solanke’s performance in the Merseyside Derby.
Unexpectedly the England international was given a start at centre-forward, with in-form Roberto Firmino on the bench – much to the surprise of nearly every Liverpool fan when the team-sheet was announced.
In fairness, Klopp’s team was more than good enough to win, as we completely dominated the match and only drew because of a dodgy late penalty, but Solanke was the most quiet of the frontline.
According to the boss, he sees a different side to the forward in training, which could be down to Solanke’s inexperience and the fact the Derby comes with added pressure.
“He could have played more confident, but he is a young boy,” Klopp told his press-conference. “I saw him doing differently than he would have done in training. We have to deal with expectations, the crowd, all these things.
“He made the chance for Sadio. He is a smart player. He can play better but that was a good second step.”
At the moment, we share Klopp’s attitude towards the prodigy. He doesn’t start in our best XI yet, but the fact Divock Origi is on loan and that he’s used ahead of Daniel Sturridge often shows exactly how high Liverpool’s hopes for him are.
We just hope he gets his first Liverpool goal soon!
After all, what’s the point in having young talent if they’re not going to get chances?