Ki-Jana Hoever has been spotted taking part in Friday’s first-team training session ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The Dutchman only joined the Reds in September but has since made a lasting impression as a prominent figure in Barry Lewtas’ U18s side.
Hoever, who can play both at right-back and centre-back, has already been called upon by the club’s U23s, featuring four times under Neil Critchley over the last month.
Discussing his performance in the 1-0 mini-derby win over Everton, Critchley told the Echo: “I thought his calmness and assurance, his decision-making, his intelligence without the ball, it was terrific. Playing against a good player, I was very impressed with him indeed.”
Eagle-eyed Liverpool fans have now sighted the 16-year-old working with the club’s senior players as they prepare to resume their title charge at Anfield on Sunday.
Hoever can be seen wearing white boots in the background, between Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones.
Ki-Jana Hoever (16) training with the first team from LiverpoolFC
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The highly-rated teenager has flaunted a maturity and self-assurance beyond his years in a Liverpool shirt so far, emerging as a serious contender to force his way in Jurgen Klopp’s long-term plans on Merseyside.
Interest in his inclusion at training is undoubtedly amplified in light of the injuries to Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Though he is unlikely to be thrown into first-team contention so soon, it would come as no surprise to see him become a familiar face in the senior setup at Melwood.