Liverpool youngster Ki-Jana Hoever is living up to the buzz that accompanied his arrival at the Kirkby Academy.

The 16-year-old Dutch right-back rose to the occasion after being handed his full Premier 2 debut for the under-23s in Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Everton in the mini derby at Goodison.

The highly-rated Netherlands youth international, who was snapped up by Ajax in the summer, showed he could handle the step up in class as he delivered an eye-catching performance against the Blues.

“Unbelievable. Sixteen. Wow,” was the verdict of Liverpool Under-23s boss Neil Critchley.

“Considering he played in the week as well..... He tired towards the end which was understandable.

“But I thought his calmness and assurance, his decision-making, his intelligence without the ball, it was terrific. Playing against a good player, I was very impressed with him indeed.”

A hard-fought derby win against the Premier 2 leaders was the perfect riposte to the 7-0 humbling Liverpool endured at the hands of Villarreal in the Premier League International Cup just four days earlier.

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Everton boasted an older, more experienced line up but the Reds, who made nine changes from midweek, played on the front foot from the off and bossed proceedings.

Critchley said: “We’ve had an up and down week to say the least!

“To go from what we experienced on Wednesday to what we experienced at Goodison, it was a roller-coaster of emotions. But I couldn’t be more pleased with the performance. I thought from the first whistle to the last, the boys were excellent.

“We don’t always get loads of preparation time, but tactically we were very good. The togetherness of the team, how hard they worked, how they competed, that was key.

“If there was one criticism, we could have done better in our counter-attack moments in the second half.

“I always knew we could compete with the top teams in this league. The performances at the beginning of the season were good, but not backed up by results.

“There’s not a great difference between any of the teams in the league to be honest, it’s very tight, so when the players play like they did against Everton we’re capable of beating anyone. I just get frustrated with them sometimes that they don’t always play to that standard.”

Rafa Camacho scored the only goal as Adam Lewis' 25-yarder deflected off him and left the keeper wrong-footed.

It was fortunate but the Portugal youth international deserved that slice of luck having led the charge for the Reds throughout.

Versatility is one of Camacho's biggest strengths. The 18-year-old, who trains regularly at Melwood, played up front with Ben Woodburn against Everton having previously operated on the wing, in centre midfield and at full-back.

“That’s the beauty of Rafa," Critchley said.

"He’s really versatile and he’s intelligent so you can play him in a number of positions. He becomes very useful for managers.

"We know we can trust him and he’s a useful acquisition for any type of manager in any squad.

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"He took his goal well with the way he just arched his back! He’s been practising them!

"There's no doubt that he benefits from the time he spends with the first-team squad."