Kobbie Mainoo was handed just his third Premier League start at Anfield after catching the eye at similarly challenging grounds in Goodison Park and St James’ Park.
And the 18-year-old impressed again as Ten Hag’s most composed midfielder alongside experienced team-mates Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay.
He produced a selection of midfield-splitting progressive passes and never seemed out of his depth under the pressure of Liverpool’s riled-up home crowd.
The Dutchman reserved praise for Mainoo after full-time, claiming he proved he was ready to make an impact at senior level this season.
“When you are good enough, you are old enough. He proved that,” Ten Hag explained.
“When he gets used to those games, we will even get more joy from it. With his scanning and speed of action, he can get switches in. He is the player who can really hurt opponents.”
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