Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp offered surprise praise for Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli after the Reds advanced to the EFL Cup final on Thursday night. Diogo Jota scored twice at the Emirates Stadium despite Klopp naming a makeshift team against the Gunners.
Jota finished off a fine Liverpool move inside 20 minutes to put his side ahead. He cut inside and wrong-footed Aaron Ramsdale. It was the first goal of the tie following the 0-0 draw at Anfield in the first leg.
The Portugal forward then benefitted from VAR in the 78th minute as he broke the offside trap and drinked an effort over Ramsdale.
Jota was initially adjudged to have been offside but the technology ruled in his favour.
It might have been obvious for Klopp to wax lyrical about the excellent Jota after the game. The 25-year-old stepped up and took responsibility in the absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are both at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But Klopp instead decided to praise Arsenal forward Martinelli, who has enjoyed a positive campaign.
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Completely unprompted, Klopp told Sky Sports: “Martinelli by the way… everybody should remember that name. Outstanding player.”
Klopp had been asked about facing Chelsea in the final of the competition, which is due to take place on February 27.
The 20-year-old has performed well this term in what might be considered a breakthrough season. He has had to overcome successive serious injuries and is now thriving under Mikel Arteta.
Martinelli was nullified by the immaculate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the EFL Cup tie, but has enjoyed some excellent form recently.
He has recently become a starter for Arteta and has scored four Premier League goals.
“We are over the moon at the moment. It was a difficult game, a difficult time for us in general.
“We just happy to get through this. We tried everything to get through that. The boys made tonight against a really tough Arsenal side, it was absolutely exceptional.
“The start I think was so important, both times. First half Arsenal was lively, the crowd was there, we calmed it down, played good football, played in and around the formation, created plenty.
“Second half was pretty similar. Scored two wonderful goals. Jota is on fire. But the pass as well.
“The first goal was super play, the second one I don’t think many people in the stadium saw Jota in that position, but Trent saw it, which was helpful. He finished it off, absolutely outstanding.”
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