Liverpool manager Arne Slot singled out midfielder James McConnell for praise following the team’s 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Despite the loss, Slot was impressed with the 20-year-old’s performance, particularly his combative presence in midfield.
McConnell, making his Champions League debut, led the team with four tackles and demonstrated a maturity beyond his years while playing alongside Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott.
Slot, who fielded a youthful lineup with several senior players rested, acknowledged the potential for loan moves for some of the younger squad members but made it clear that McConnell was not among them.
“There’s definitely one that will not go out on loan: James McConnell,” Slot stated emphatically. “I liked him a lot today. He impressed me a lot today. He is competitive in the training sessions we had, he is always very competitive. I’m not surprised [by how he played], but you always wonder how you will react at this level. James plays and is competitive. He definitely deserves credit for his performance today.”
Slot’s praise underscores McConnell’s rapid development and suggests a potential pathway to a more prominent role in the Liverpool first team.
The manager highlighted McConnell’s resilience, noting his return from injury and his immediate impact at the highest level of club football.
While McConnell enjoyed a successful night, the same could not be said for fellow youngster Amara Nallo.
The 18-year-old defender’s senior debut turned into a nightmare when he received a straight red card shortly after coming on as a substitute.
Slot described the situation as “cruel,” acknowledging the difficult circumstances of Nallo’s Champions League debut.
“It is a big moment for him to learn from, and it is cruel when you think ten minutes before the end, ‘I’m making my debut in the Champions League’, but a few moments later you go off with a red card,” Slot commented.
Despite the setback, McConnell offered words of support for his teammate.
“I wouldn’t say a nightmare, he’s a top young defender, he’s going to learn from it loads,” McConnell told LFCTV. “He’ll have many more experiences like this. Obviously his head’s a bit down but it’s part of the game in the end. He took one for the team and obviously got sent off.”
