Klopp hails 'exceptional' Liverpool kids, Origi's top class goal and centre-back depth

Klopp made nine changes to his side as he gave fringe players more game time and also several youngsters their chance.

There were debuts for 16-year-old Kaide Gordon and 18-year-old Conor Bradley, while Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi were both on the scoresheet.

Particularly pleasing to Klopp was the performance of centre-backs Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.

That position was a real weak point last season with Gomez and Virgil van Dijk out for lengthy spells, leaving Joel Matip the only recognised centre-back at certain points.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho filled in, while emergency cover was brought in during the January transfer window.

The situation this season is much more comfortable, and Klopp told talkSPORT: "We have five exceptional centre-halves, which after the story we had last year is very important for us. They are all outstanding.

"Who is in the best shape will play. That's how it is and we will need them all. There is an intense period coming up.

"The first half organisation was not good, but the two centre-halves were really strong. When they played the ball in behind the last lines we were then really there and won the battles.

"It was good to watch. That's what centre-half games should be. When your organisation is not working you still need lifesavers and that's what they were.

"And (Caoimhin) Kelleher made top saves. On top of that the kids played exceptional.

"Takumi (Minamino) hasn't had too much game time yet, but when he's in this football shape he will have game time 100 per cent.

"Divock (Origi) with a top class goal, which was good for him as well."

Tyler Morton also came off the bench at half-time to replace Naby Keita and Klopp was particularly pleased at seeing his youngsters cope with being thrown into first-team action.

He added: "We had them in the pre-season with us and what surprised me the most is they can go with the intensity, training wise.

"We leave them out from time-to-time when we have double sessions and they don't train the second session, but they are never tired.

"Connor Bradley had a really intense job and I don't know how many sprints he made.

"Kade sprinted 50 or 60 yards in the 87th minute as if the game would have started only.

"Tyler came on and helped us a lot. He played that position well. He passed the ball in the right spaces, defended in the right spaces."

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