Latest Liverpool news: Ki-Jana Hoever plans to play alongside Virgil van Dijk in the coming seasons

Virgil van Dijk has been excellent for Liverpool since making the switch from Southampton.

The Dutchman has helped Liverpool to become one of the best defences in Europe and has been at the heart of our title challenge.

Another Dutch defender, Ki-Jana Hoever could be the next big thing at Anfield. The 17-year-old made his senior debut in the 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup and has big plans for the future (h/t Mirror):

“I hope that in a couple of years I can play next to van Dijk in defence.

“You can’t wish for a better mentor and tutor as a professional player.”

Ki-Jana Hoever

The younger Dutch defender also spoke about Van Dijk’s style of defending and how he keeps a map of what is going around him:

“There is a little detail in Virgil’s game – that I call the shoulder. He is always looking over his shoulder.

“He is always aware what is going on around him. He has his own game to concentrate on, but he is paying attention to everyone else too.”

Hoever praises Van Dijk

The 17-year-old believes that Van Dijk is the “best defender in the world” and added that it isn’t just the attackers in the team who are getting praise these days.

“People now understand and see the importance of great defending”, added Hoever.

The 17-year-old could get some games next season but there is a lot of competition for places in the first-team.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have become regulars under Jurgen Klopp, and are possibly two of the best in their positions.

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Hoever still has time to develop into a top defender and there is no one better than Van Dijk to guide him in the coming years.

Latest Liverpool news: Totti claims Salah’s decision to join Liverpool was right

Francesco Totti is one of the greatest to have graced the game of football.

The one-club man spent his entire career with AS Roma and lifted the Serie A and also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

The former Italian great even had one season with Mohamed Salah before the Egyptian signed for Liverpool.

Salah has been a hit at Anfield, and Totti praised the Egyptian during an interview with Bein Sports (h/t Liverpool Echo).

The Italian claimed the pair had a great relationship as they often combined well in front of goal:

“In fact every time he played and scored with me he always told me he felt like a different player because he had fun to play with me and he liked the way I put him in front of goal with my assists.”

The right decision was taken by Mo

Returning to the Premier League was a bit of a risk for Salah as he struggled during his time with Chelsea.

However, the Egyptian was the top scorer in the league last season and is in the race for the Golden Boot this time too.

Totti backed Salah’s decision to join the Reds but was a little upset at seeing him leave Rome.

“He is an exceptional person and a true man who gave a lot to the club. But at the end unfortunately you have to make decisions and we have to respect this.

“I think he made the right decision to go to Liverpool because they are one of the most important clubs in Europe.”

The Italian added that he is still in contact with the Egyptian and claimed he had met a “great player and a great person.”

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Salah is one of the most humble footballers in the world and his talent is unquestionable. The forward has been at the forefront of Liverpool’s title challenge and hopefully, we can end the season on a high.

Latest Liverpool news: Liverpool legend Tommy Smith passes away at 74

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith sadly passed away at the age of 74.

The Liverpool-born defender was called the ‘Anfield Iron’ by the fans and made 638 appearances from 1960 to 1978.

Tommy Smith

Smith also scored 48 goals and won nine major trophies, while captaining the side for three years.

His glittering career with the Reds saw him lift the league title four times, two FA Cups, two UEFA Cups and a European Cup.

Smith won titles under legendary managers Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, and also scored the goal that helped the Reds win their maiden European Cup by defeating German side Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome.

Smith’s daughter also posted a message regarding the passing away of the club legend (h/t LiverpoolFC.com):

“Dad died very peacefully in his sleep shortly after 4.30pm today at Green Heyes nursing home in Park Road, Waterloo, Crosby.”

RIP Tommy Smith 1945-2019.

You’ll Never Walk Alone. pic.twitter.com/XsQq7Z1mYT

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 12, 2019

Fans come out to pay their respects to the legend

The legend also had stints at the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Los Angeles Aztecs and Swansea City.

Smith represented England but he will always be remembered for his exploits in the Red of Liverpool.

The defender also worked as a youth coach at Liverpool for a brief spell and released his autobiography in 2008 which was appropriately called ‘Anfield Iron’.

Several Liverpool supporters paid their respects to the legend, and here are some of their tweets on Smith.

R.I.P. One of the big names and personalities of the club’s history. Winning mentality. pic.twitter.com/tvSMBv1c4k

— Anfield Online (@anfieldonline) April 12, 2019

was privileged to see him play – he was the steel spine of the team – at our best, we have that steel, modelled on our Tommy RIP #ynwa

— Tim Clark (@tscgranite) April 12, 2019

Sad news. True hard man defender with a fearsome reputation. Will always remember his headed goal in 1977 European Cup final in Rome
YNWA

— Dave Thornhill (@DaveThornhill2) April 12, 2019

The toughest man to put on a football kit. THE definition of a 70s hardman!

— Gaz 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🍀 (@GazTheKitman) April 12, 2019

Legend and a boyhood hero along with the Mighty Emlyn Hughes. RIP Tommy, you truly will never walk alone.

— Tim And The Hidden People (@tim_hidden) April 13, 2019

rest in peace another one of our greats gone but never forgotten !

— Mr Red (@SpectrumAudioRJ) April 12, 2019

My dad as told me so many stories about tommy. What a legend rip tommy

— Donna Arnold (@doneleny) April 12, 2019

Hard player from a hard era. Cracking servant to your club, and the city. RIP Tommy.

— Paul Roberts (@Abberadon) April 13, 2019