Klopp makes Woodburn admission after Liverpool victory

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits he does not know where Ben Woodburn’s best position is after the youngster helped the Reds beat Crystal Palace.

New boy Dominic Solanke scored a stunner and Divock Origi netted, both in the second half, as Crystal Palace were beaten 2-0 in the PL Asia Trophy in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Liverpool dominated the early exchanges, with Palace struggling to cope with the dangerous pace of Mohamed Salah, but it was former Chelsea forward Solanke who broke the deadlock.

Philippe Coutinho and Origi linked up to set up Solanke, who turned on the edge of the box before firing a low shot past Wayne Hennessey.

Origi then added a second from close range after Coutinho’s shot was saved.

Speaking afterwards Klopp told the club’s website he was content with the victory.

“It was an all-round good performance, I have to say. It was the most difficult circumstances for both teams because it was really hard training.

“It’s pre-season, we have to train hard. It was hot and today we played there and both teams played good football in the first half, especially individuals from Crystal Palace – Townsend, Zaha, Benteke. It was really difficult but we defended well.”

Klopp also praised 17-year-old Woodburn, who started the game in a deep-lying midfield role: “It’s not the first time, he’s played there a few times.

“Ben is a very smart player. He is too young to fix him already for any position, so we only know that we want to have him in and around our team.

“He can play there, it’s no problem – he can play as a 10, he can play on the wing. He will get smarter, 100 per cent – and he is already really smart.

“Bringing him into the middle of the park helps him a lot to learn the highest level of football under pressure. It’s exciting. I have no idea which is his best position, but actually I don’t think about it – I am only happy that I have him around,” added the German.