Bobby Adekanye was arguably the most outstanding player in the UEFA Youth League on match day three, having contributed to four goals as Liverpool thrashed Maribor 4-1 at športni park Lendava.

Liverpool U19 coach Steven Gerrard was delighted with the performance of the winger, saying he is beginning to fulfill his potential.

''He's let his football do the talking,'' Gerrard told Liverpool Echo.

''We said to Bobby and Rafa Camacho and the two young centre-backs (Anthony Driscoll-Glennon and Rhys Williams),who played either side of George (Johnston), 'Look there are players missing, it is an opportunity for you. You either sink or swim.' That's what football is about.

''It is about when your opportunity comes along to move up. You come in and do yourself justice.''

Gerrard added : ''The thing with Bobby is consistency.

''I think he understands now what it is to play for a club like Liverpool at the highest level. Where you have to not just be talented on the ball and look good on the eye, you have to do the dirty side of the game as well.''

The 18-year-old Adekanye will walk away from Liverpool as a free agent at the end of the 2017-2018 season, if he does not extend his contract.

Igho Kingsley