Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on Jordon Ibe after his man of the match display in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
After recalling the England U20 international early from a loan spell at Derby County, Rodgers sprung a surprise and named the 19-year-old among his first eleven against local rivals Everton – just his second Premier League start.
And the Liverpool manager lauded the young player’s composure in the heat of an intense contest at Goodison Park.
"I have been just waiting to put him in. I called him back because I thought now he can really contribute," he said.
"He had a great spell on loan, which is what you want from your young players, and he had a good time at a good club but it was time for him to come back and feature.
Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho and Jordon Ibe prepare to defend a free-kick
"I had no qualms about putting him in. It was a brilliant performance by him, he was unfortunate not to have scored with his run and strike.”
Ibe impressed throughout and as the local rivalry briefly threatened to spill over in the closing stages, the youngster calmly took himself away from a potentially heated tangle.
Another trait, shown by him and fellow youngster Emre Can, that impressed his manager.
"He has wonderful temperament and technique and is tactically very good for a kid coming into that system,” added Rodgers.
“I am very pleased for him.
Jordon Ibe scored five goals during his loan spell at Derby
"What was decent tonight was in such an intense atmosphere the composure of the young players.
"Emre Can, he was like a Rolls Royce at the back at 21 and he defended fantastically.
"Jordon Ibe and the rest showed great composure.
“He has wonderful temperament and technique and is tactically very good for a kid coming into that system”
Brendan Rodgers on Jordon Ibe
“They connected the game really well and we now have got a real solid structure defensively and 86 minutes was Everton's first shot on target."
Meanwhile, Everton and England left-back Leighton Baines missed the contest after failing a late fitness test.
But his manager said that although the 30-year-old was unhappy to have missed the game, the knee injury that kept him out is not serious.
"It was a bit of a disappointment,” said Roberto Martinez.
“Leighton didn't want to miss the game for any money in the world but the knee wouldn't settle.
"He wasn't 100 per cent to play. I don't know about Wednesday (against Chelsea).
“He could be available. I don't think it is a long-term problem.”
