29 February 2024 , 07:52
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has compared the rapid rise of Anfield hotshot Jayden Danns to that of darts wonderkid Luke Littler.
Danns, 18, was a second-half super sub in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday, with the forward scoring two goals as Liverpool romped to a 3-0 win against Southampton. Danns' double helped set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with Manchester United, who edged past Nottingham Forest with an unconvincing 1-0 victory.
Having only made his first-team debut a week ago and after appearing in last Sunday's Carabao Cup final win against Chelsea, Klopp reckons that the son of former Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Bury star Neil Danns might benefit from a chat with 17-year-old Littler, who was an overnight sensation at the PDC World Championship during the festive period.
"It is a little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight." Klopp explained. "Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner.
"Everyone who is with us, we should have our moments, they will have more moments than we expect. Exceptional talents, of course it is not natural that a boy aged 18 is as calm as you like.
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"The second goal, calm as you like, he saw when Conor (Bradley) shot that the goalie cannot take it. Don't forget it when the transfer window opens, don't (ask for) 12 signings!"
Danns hailed the win against Southampton, kickstarted by a goal from debutant Lewis Koumas, who's the son of ex-Tranmere Rovers and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jason, as the 'best day of his life'. "I couldn't be happier today. Today is the best day of my life," the youngster told BBC Sport.
Your turn! Who'll go through - Liverpool or Manchester United? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Luke Littler became a household name over the festive period (Getty Images)"I've watched Liverpool since I was a young boy and to score at the Kop End is more than a dream. I couldn't be happier. I couldn't describe it [the feeling of celebrating in front of the Kop]. It is a dream come true. The first thing I thought was to slide on my knees. It was an unbelievable experience."
Liverpool's future looks increasingly bright heading into Klopp's final three months as manager, as the German added: "I can't imagine what this must feel for the boys, it feels pretty good for me. It is the week of the academy."
Klopp also remarked: "It is special and for me strange as well. I never had that, that you play with so many kids. It is a really interesting experience."