Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has given out-of-favour left-back Alberto Moreno his backing, after the Spaniard’s performance against Crystal Palace.
Moreno produced a strong display at Selhurst Park, despite an error in the buildup to James McArthur’s second goal on the night, helping his side to seal a 4-2 victory over the Eagles.
Drafted in to replace James Milner, who was unavailable due to illness, Moreno provided a reminder of his talents.
This came after a difficult period for the 24-year-old, but speaking to LFCTV after the game, Klopp stressed his belief that Moreno can still be an important player for Liverpool.
“There was never a doubt about Alberto. But he’s a young player, he needs to learn a lot of things,” he said.
“Sometimes he’s a little bit too passionate in defending, that’s right.
“He’s from Spain, south Europe, so he’s a little bit hot-blooded sometimes, as we say. But he’s still young, and you can learn things.
“When you see he’s quick, good left foot, good attitude, runs up and down, up and down, it’s nice for a manager working with boys like this.”
Milner has usurped Moreno as Klopp’s first-choice left-back, but Moreno acquitted himself well when called upon against both Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup and Palace on Saturday.
But while Milner, approaching 31, is one of the most experienced players in Klopp’s squad, the German believes players like Moreno developing on Merseyside is a positive situation.
“If these players were perfect last year, they’d probably not still be playing for Liverpool!” he joked.
“So we have to work together [to improve]. We do it, and all good.”
Moreno unquestionably needed a spell out of the spotlight, after coming under considerable scrutiny following a poor performances in the Europa League final in May.
This continued after a shaky display against Arsenal on the opening day of the Premier League campaign.
But having impressed on his return to the starting lineup, making his first league start since that day at the Emirates Stadium, Moreno could have improved his future prospects under Klopp.
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