Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp has singled out Tiago Ilori as one of the players who distinguished himself in his team 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in their last pre season game before they head out on a pre season tour to America. Widely tipped to be axed by Klopp this season, he has done his chances of staying with the Reds a whole lot of good with his fine performance in today’s game.
The young Nigerian who is set to represent Portugal at the Olympics still remains eligible for Nigeria and England at senior level was mentioned alongside Joel Matip and Lucas Leiva as players who brought about an improved performance for Liverpool in the second half.
“Tiago [Ilori] and Joel [Matip] plus Lucas [Leiva] together with young Trent Alexander-Arnold did really well, and the rest were involved in our offensive play. That was really flexible, it was quick and direct. We had good direction in the game and we scored two wonderful goals, and could have scored one or two more. It was absolutely deserved so I’m quite satisfied.”
The vote of confidence passed on the 23 year old will no doubt boost the morale of the defender who has been sent out on three loan spells since joining Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of the 2013/2014
Last season he failed to make a single appearance for Aston Villa before Klopp took over at Liverpool and recalled him from his loan spell to act as defensive cover following a defensive crisis and he ended up making three appearances in the League cup.