Faith in young promise yielded multiple rewards for Jürgen Klopp. A first Champions League goal for 19-year-old Curtis Jones and a commanding European debut for 22-year-old goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher delivered victory over Ajax, a place in the knockout stage as group winners and the precious luxury of resting creaking limbs at Midtjylland next week.
The Liverpool manager made a bee-line for Kelleher when the final whistle sounded on a close but deserved victory over Erik ten Hag’s side. A well-earned bear hug ensued. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was drafted in for his first Champions League appearance after Alisson sustained a hamstring injury in training that could sideline Liverpool’s first-choice keeper for up to a fortnight.
