James McConnell made a spectacular assist in Liverpool’s 5-2 victory over Norwich on Sunday, capping off an incredible first senior start for the Reds.

When the 19-year-old was replaced in the 79th minute due to a minor knock, journalist Keifer MacDonald noted that the teenager had garnered great praise for his play. This afternoon, he set up the first goal with a precise cross to Curtis Jones.

“Standing ovation from the Anfield crowd for 19-year-old James McConnell as he is replaced by Luis Diaz,” the reporter wrote on X. With a bear hug, Jurgen Klopp congratulated the child right away. McConnell will never forget that afternoon.

With the exception of Jones’ outstanding assist, McConnell can be extremely happy with his first start for Liverpool.

The midfielder, making just his fourth senior football appearance, showed off a performance that belied his young age and high level inexperience, winning three duels, making two tackles, and completing 72 of his 81 passes (89% success rate), according to Sofascore.

It’s a big credit to how admirably the 19-year-old played that he received a standing ovation from the Anfield throng and an embrace from his manager, who unavoidably absorbed the most of the supporters’ affection this afternoon.

If McConnell maintains his current level of play in a few more games for Klopp’s team, he might follow in the footsteps of Jarell Quansah and, more recently, Conor Bradley, who have both emerged as dependable first-team contributors for Liverpool this season.