SION, Switzerland – Socceroo Brad Smith has been praised by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson after starring in his first start for the English club in their scoreless draw with Sion in the Europa League.
The Reds finished top of Group B heading into the knockout stages of the competition with 21-year-old Smith outstanding for Liverpool in Switzerland.
His performance was one of the few highlights of a drab match played in freezing conditions.
Juergen Klopp’s side had already progressed to the last 32, so the German handed starts to the likes of Kolo Toure, Divock Origi and Smith against opponents who required a point to confirm their own qualification.
Henderson was impressed by Smith, who has four caps for the Socceroos.
“He was brilliant going up and down the left flank. He was dangerous, getting good crosses in and for his first start, I thought he was outstanding,” the skipper told BT Sport.
Smith was thrilled to get the call-up from Klopp after his impressive cameo as a substitute in last week’s 6-1 League Cup romp over Southampton. “To get my first start for Liverpool is an honour,” Smith said.
“It was tough conditions but it was good to get the draw and top the group.”
Tottenham Hotspur clinched top spot in Group J by outclassing Monaco with a 4-1 win at White Hart Lane.