Liverpool coach hails ‘incredible, unbelievable’ U23 star

Liverpool midfielder Pedro Chirivella “deserves” his recent moments in the spotlight “more than anyone”.

Chirivella joined Liverpool in 2015 but has already equalled his highest mark for appearances in a single season by February.

The midfielder has been a key component of the Reds’ domestic cup runs as Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool’s youngsters a chance to impress.

The Spaniard has featured and impressed as Liverpool reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, also starring in their run to the FA Cup fifth round.

His stock has only risen since expressing a desire to leave in November, and Liverpool U23 manager Neil Critchley has been “delighted” with his progress.

“Pedro has been incredible,” Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com. “He is an unbelievable person to work with. He just loves football, loves playing and would play every day.

“For such a young player and a young person, he has unbelievable intelligence and experience of playing the game and he passes that on to everyone around him.

“He gives everything to the team and for the team. He never thinks of himself and he sacrifices himself all of the time.

“I am so delighted for him that he is reaping the rewards of all the hard work and effort he puts in.

“He is first on the training ground every day, he plays like a real leader and the boys love him for that.

“Sometimes you say use your experience but I think that’s more in terms of an older player, 30 or beyond. But you are only experienced if you use that experience for the benefit of the team – Pedro does that all of the time.

“I’m so proud of Pedro as a person and the experience he is getting at the moment he deserves it more than anyone.”