Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has praised on-loan Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers for an ‘outstanding’ debut last night.
Chambers started his first ever senior game just a couple of days after signing for the Scottish side. And the 18-year-old left-back made an instant impression, claiming an assist for their 85th minute winner.
Speaking to Kilmarnock FC on Twitter after the 1-0 win over Dundee United, McInnes couldn’t praise the Liverpool man enough.
“36 years ago I made my first senior debut and I certainly didn’t play as good as him!” said the coach. “He was outstanding. He looks about 13 but he plays like a 30-year-old! He’s so mature, he’s so calm with his defending, his decision making on the ball was very good, his choice of passes, his choice of crosses, none more so than for Danny’s goal and he’s fitted in brilliantly.
“For an 18-year-old kid we’ve been really impressed by him. Not just his ability but the type person he is, he’s fitted right in.
“We’re delighted and pleased that Liverpool and Luke decided to choose us over others. It was a very impressive start from him and hopefully there’s far more to come, he’s made a big impression. We said to him before the game, ‘just play the way you’ve trained the last two days.’ Since he’s joined us, he’s impressed us.”
Chambers starts off on the right foot
What a start for Chambers! The praise from McInnes is reminiscent of the kind of words being spoken about fellow academy youngster Conor Bradley this season.
With Chambers on the left and Bradley on the right, perhaps Liverpool have found their new dynamic fullback duo?
Of course, there’s a long way to go until this talented pair can be compared to legends like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. But they’ve started off on the right foot.
For Chambers in particular, he must have been desperate to get some first team minutes. Having impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour last summer, he looked an outside shout to get some game time with the senior side.
But getting past Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas isn’t exactly the easiest of tasks. The Reds are pretty stacked in that area at present.
As a result, it’s good to see Chambers getting out on-loan. Whatever happens for the next 6-months or so, he’ll now always remember his professional debut with a smile. Now the real work starts. Go get em, Luke!