Rodgers backs Wisdom to shine

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool youngster Andre Wisdom has ‘all the qualities’ needed to make a name for himself at the club.

The 19-year-old defender scored on his Reds debut in their thrilling 5-3 Europa League win over Young Boys and his talent has impressed former Swansea boss, who thinks he could fit into the side’s new style of play.

“It’s always good when you put young players in and you see how they react,” he told the club’s official website.

“I thought Andre Wisdom at right-back was excellent. He’s got all the qualities that I believe will set him up to have a very good career.

“He’s quick, he’s strong and he passes the ball well, which is going to be important for us at this club and always has been. I thought he was a real positive note.”

Wisdom played in a back four containing Jamie Carragher against the Swiss side and Rodgers feels the veteran’s experience is key to young players coming into the team.

“It is critical. The likes of Andre Wisdom look up so much to guys like Jamie Carragher, and to be on the same field as him and learning from his experience and leadership qualities is very, very important,” he said.

“Sometimes as a coach, you can coach players, you can talk with them, you can educate them, but when they go out onto the field, if they’ve got top players around them that can also help them manage the game from the inside.

“Guys like Carra are top class at that and, for me, your young players are only as good as your senior players.”