Ki-Jana Hoever proved one of few positives for Liverpool to take away from Monday night’s FA Cup defeat to Wolves at Molineux.
The 16-year-old became the third-youngest player ever to debut for the club when he was introduced to replace the injured Dejan Lovren after just six minutes.
It continued an extraordinary start to life on Merseyside since his arrival in the summer, with the Dutchman having already earned a promotion from the club’s U18s to the U23s as well as a spot in first team training.
Hoever was thrown into a make-shift back four, partnering Fabinho at centre-back between 18-year-old Rafael Camacho and the out-of-favour Alberto Moreno.
In what turned out to be a dreadfully disjointed performance from Jurgen Klopp’s men, Hoever managed to display glimpses of his composure on the ball and desire to play forward from the back.
Here’s how fans reacted to his showing…
Ki-Jana Hoever. Remember this name soon. 16 year old was the best player for us tonight. Showed far more composure than most of those expected.
— FantasticFirmino9 (@MPBFirmino9) January 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/MeganAmy_Hunter/status/1082396396572065792
Liverpool knocked out of the FA Cup. Disappointing all round. 16-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever absolutely brilliant. Senior pro Daniel Sturridge, on the other hand, very very poor.
— Sam Patterson (@sam0007ster) January 7, 2019
Ki-Jana Hoever has a lot to work on; positioning, keeping the line, dealing with pressure; but he's very talented and as good as advertised for a 16 year-old. #LFC pic.twitter.com/t04kBFOmTW
— zzuppy (@emrahfetahu) January 7, 2019
Impressed by Ki-Jana Hoever. Looked nervous early, but it wouldn't easy coming into that six minutes into the game. Really settled nicely.
— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) January 7, 2019
Ki-Jana Hoever. Only positive tonight. pic.twitter.com/tgnBXwQl0X
— Road to Istanbul 🏆 (@dboetan7i) January 7, 2019
Ki-Jana Hoever is the only positive from tonight. Very encouraging start
— Mark Wilson (@M_Wilson_) January 7, 2019
16 year old Ki-Jana Hoever was absolutely brilliant tonight 👏🏼
Fair play to the lad, future looks bright 🔴 #LFC pic.twitter.com/MyUm0GQrpY
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) January 7, 2019
Ki-Jana Hoever – very impressed, thrown in cold, playing out of position. He’ll be a regular.
— Ian Turner (@IanTurner_) January 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/CalanNickle/status/1082391129063067648