Liverpool 3-1 Lyon: 5 Talking Points

#1 Hoever sparkles as Liverpool's young guns catch the eye

Hoever oozed class defensively and looked a probing creative threat, while keeping compatriot Depay at bay

Just hours after penning his first professional contract on a long-term deal, Ki-Jana Hoever stood out as Liverpool's best performer and again didn't look out of place in a backline packed with different storylines.

The 17-year-old's path has just begun on Merseyside after vowing to make the club proud and repaying their faith in his ability. Operating at right-back, he impressed with his tough-tackling nature and was unafraid to bomb forward with a handful of teasing deliveries which posed questions of the Lyon backline before creating the assist for Andersen's own goal.

He was quoted as saying: "I need to be realistic - I hope to make some first-team minutes this year, of course, but I know I will probably play more games for the U23s. I will just train hard with the first-team, show them what I can do and if there is a chance I will be ready. That's what I am hoping for."

Having made his senior debut after replacing an injured Dejan Lovren against Wolves in the FA Cup back in January, then still only 16, the talented Dutchman is refreshing unfazed and will only keep improving as part of Klopp's plan to integrate their talented teenagers into the first-team picture.

He kept Depay at bay, made some incisive runs in support of his more forward-minded teammates and despite being booked for an overzealous sliding tackle, that crucially didn't stop him from persisting in his efforts to frustrate a tricky Lyon side.

Yasser Larouci, who has made a full recovery from a horror tackle against Sevilla last week, impressed in stages on the opposite side to Hoever.

His one-on-one defending was tested and you can tell he too will benefit, learning from close quarters under supervision between squads. Defensively he was tested, which is important for a young fullback with experience still to gain - though the 18-year-old didn't seem out of place which is always good to see.

Bobby Duncan and Adam Lewis linked up well to eyecatching effect, while summer signing Harvey Elliott also caught the eye when introduced midway through the second-half. Meanwhile, Harry Wilson popped up with a stunning strike from distance to double their lead before their mass substitutions were complete.

It was typical of the playmaker, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Championship side Derby County last season, though his Liverpool future remains uncertain.

Bournemouth and Newcastle are said to be among the top-flight clubs ready to complete a move for the Welshman, though Klopp is keeping his cards close to his chest on whether he'll depart permanently before the season begins next weekend.