Liverpool fans discuss Ki-Jana Hoever’s performance for Wolves on Thursday night

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It was a disappointing night for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday evening as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side crashed out of the FA Cup at home to Southampton – but there was one shining light, and Liverpool fans have discussed his performance.

Indeed, that shining light was Ki-Jana Hoever’s performance at right-back. Despite the Saints returning to winning ways following their dismal 9-0 defeat to Manchester United, Hoever was excellent from the right side of the defence.

Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong both scored second-half goals to send Southampton into the last eight of the competition – leaving Wolves left to focus on their disappointing Premier League campaign. But Hoever gave Santo food for thought.

It was just his tenth appearance for Wolves, and only his fourth start for the Midlands club since swapping Anfield for Wolves last summer for a fee of £13.5million (Express & Star). Nelson Semedo has remained first choice.

But the stats do not lie. As per WhoScored, 19-year-old Hoever won more headers than any of his teammates – impressive for a teenager. He also attempted more long balls than any of his teammates, successfully completing all five.

He produced more clearances, attempted more crosses – even more than corner taker Joao Moutinho – and made three tackles, behind only to Ruben Neves and Moutinho who managed four. He was given a game rating higher than his teammates, 7.3.

Certainly, without the added evidence of stats, Hoever looked like the one Wolves player who had a point to prove – the one Wolves player that tried wholeheartedly to win the match, while others looked as if the season if already over.

His display will come as no surprise to Liverpool fans, who raved about the Netherlands youth international after watching him shine for the club’s reserve side and in the four senior appearances he made for the Reds during his time at Anfield.

At Liverpool currently, Trent Alexander-Arnold is going through the worst spell of form he has endured since breaking into the Liveprool team. Cover for Trent? Not much. Neco Williams is good, but is some way off the standard Hoever provides.

James Milner can do a job at right-back, but he is now slowing down and entering the twilight of his career – meaning a holding-midfield role is more suited. Joe Gomez can also do a job at right-back but obviously, he is injured.

So, have Liverpool made a mistake in letting Hoever leave the club to join Wolves – despite raking in a decent transfer fee for his services? Better yet, should they consider bringing Hoever back to the club he only left last summer?

Liverpool fans took to Twitter to discuss Hoever’s performance, which was excellent against a Southampton side that looked more pungent throughout – as ex-Liverpool striker Ings strengthened his claim for a place in England’s Euro 2021 side.

Many were impressed, and many want Hoever back at Anfield – a player that produced more dribbles on Thursday night than any of his teammates, despite the presence of Pedro Neto, Vitinha and of course speed king Adama Traore.

https://twitter.com/Callum_Moran10/status/1359921349037330434