Steven Gerrard believes that Liverpool’s latest young talent Joao Teixeira has what it takes to shine at the club after his debut against Fulham.

The 21-year-old midfielder came on late at Craven Cottage on Wednesday and helped the Reds earn a vital 3-2 win.

Teixeira was a shock inclusion in Brendan Rodgers’ squad after impressing in the club’s youth and reserve teams, and became the latest starlet to be given a first-team opportunity by the manager.

The Northern Irishman has already put his faith in Raheem Sterling and Suso – now on loan in Spain – and has also called on Jordon Ibe in recent times.

Gerrard believes that The Portuguese playmaker has earned his spot in the squad and that he has been impressed by him since the very first time he saw him in action:

“I watched this kid a couple of years ago playing for Sporting Lisbon against Liverpool at Anfield in a youth game; I could see straight away he was the best player on the pitch,” he is quoted by the Daily Mail.

“Credit to him, he has kept working hard. He has been invited to train with the first team. He is competing, he is trying to improve and learn.

“He listens - I've just been speaking to him in the dressing room and you can see he wants to learn and listen.

“He has got respect for the other players in the dressing room. This is the start for him now; I've just told him that he needs to push on, keep learning and building on what he has just achieved.

“He deserved his debut and he made a special tackle which helped us get over the line.”

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