Klopp admits it will be difficult to keep Liverpool's youngest goal-scorer Woodburn out of the spotlight after his exploits in team's 2-0 win over Leeds
Jurgen Klopp
London: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits it will be difficult to keep the club's new youngest record goal-scorer Ben Woodburn out of the spotlight if he continues to score goals.
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Woodburn, aged at 17 years and 45 days, beat Michael Owen's record by 98 days with a 81st-minute finish in the 2-0 win over Leeds in Tuesday night's EFL Cup quarter-final. He had only made his first-team debut in Saturday's victory over Sunderland — and that was barely a minute at the end of the match — but he is highly-rated within the club and the fact he was born in Chester, like Owen, will only lend itself to unrealistic comparisons at such an early stage.
Woodburn, a 67th-minute substitute, grabbed all the headlines in a match, which the visitors dominated before Divock Origi scored in the 76th minute. "We know how to handle the situation," said Klopp, whose side booked a record 17th League Cup semi-final and their fourth in the last six years. "I can say whatever I want but if he scores goals it will be difficult to keep him away from media.
Liverpool's Ben Woodburn celebrates his goal against Leeds during the League Cup quarter-final match at Anfield on Tuesday. Pic/AFP
"But nothing what we say here is important enough to help Ben Woodburn or myself. "My first job is to help these boys be the best. "There's a lot of things to do, especially to keep the public away as long as possible. That's quite a difficult thing to do. But we only bring him when we want to use him. That means when he is on the pitch he is absolutely allowed to score goals. I am really happy with him, the only problem is I am a little afraid about you (the press)."
Owen, who was at the match and witnessed Woodburn score, was quick to pay his tribute. "Another record taken from me! Congratulations Woodburn on becoming the youngest ever scorer for Liverpool," he wrote on Twitter.
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