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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Caoimhe O'Neill

Former transfer target Memphis Depay dubs Liverpool star the 'Young King' after Lyon friendly defeat

Netherlands international Memphis Depay has labelled Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever a 'Young King'.

The centre-forward, who featured for Lyon as they battled it out against Jurgen Klopp's side in Geneva, also exchanged shirts with the teenager.

Hoever, who penned a new long-term deal with the Reds ahead of the match on Wednesday, was at the heart of the action along with his compatriot Depay.

The former Manchester United star opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside five minutes after a blunder from returning shot-stopper Alisson.

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Despite a calamitous start Liverpool clawed their way back into the pre-season tie with Roberto Firmino tapping home the equaliser.

Hoever then helped launch the Reds into a 2-1 lead after his cross was sliced into the net by Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.

The 17-year-old, who made his senior bow last season aged just 16 years and 354 days, shared a photo of the No.11's match-worn shirt and wrote: "Thanks bro".

Depay re-shared the post to his Instagram story with the caption which read: "Young king".

Memphis Depay's Instagram story (Memphis Depay/Instagram)

The 25-year-old, who is close friends with Gini Wijnaldum, was linked with a move to Anfield earlier this summer.

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