Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been impressed by Isaac Mabaya’s performances in the club’s pre-2022/23 season in Asia and Europe.
The 17-year-old Zimbabwean played for an hour in Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly defeat by Red Bull Salzburg.
Mabaya had previously featured in the Reds’ preseason matches against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, having travelled to Thailand and Singapore with the senior squad.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com on the academy players’ performance in the pre-season, Klopp singled out Mabaya for special praise.
“The young kids, the self-confidence they have at that young age, I think that’s a really good sign for the team as well.
“How the team let these boys grow next to them. Seventeen years old, Isaac [Mabaya], a little mic check! I couldn’t deal with that. So, really cool, cool moments the whole night,” said Klopp.
Mabaya said the latest taste of pre-season action has given him the appetite to keep working hard for more opportunities at Liverpool.
“Honestly, I loved it. I always love stepping out on the pitch for Liverpool, so I just want to keep getting my opportunities to do that [and] hopefully [I will] in the future.
“It’s been brilliant playing and training with some of the best players in the world. There’s a lot to learn from all the players,” he said.
Mabaya was born in Preston, England, to Zimbabwean parents. He signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in September 2021.
The versatile defender has represented England at junior level but is still eligible to play for Zimbabwe if he chooses not to represent England at senior level.
