Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever: Today I'd still be in youth team at Ajax | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Ki-Jana Hoever has no regrets leaving Ajax.

For many in Amsterdam, Hoever would now be a first team regular with Ajax if he had chosen to stay.

The youngster joined Liverpool in September 2018 after leaving Ajax's academy. That season, Hoever made his first team debut in the FA Cup, becoming the youngest ever Liverpool player to do so in that competition and their third youngest in any tournament.

Last summer, Hoever signed a long-term contract with the Reds and managed three appearances for the first team in Cup competitions. And it was put to the Dutch youngster that he'd be playing consistent senior football if he was still with Ajax today.

But the 18 year-old told Het Parool via Voetbalzone: “When I look at Ajax now, I don't think: I could have been there. Of course I do follow Ajax, especially because my friends Kenneth Taylor, Naci Ünüvar, Sontje Hansen and Ryan Gravenberch are doing well.

"In the plan of Ajax I would probably play in Jong Ajax now. Liverpool offered me a better perspective and I have never regretted my choice.

“Not every eighteen-year-old can say he has been through what I have been through at Liverpool. Even though I didn't really win those trophies myself. I mostly sat in the stands or on the bench, but I often trained with those boys."

Indeed, Hoever is adamant he wouldn't swap last season's experience, which saw him be part of the Club World Cup triumph and also in the squad for the European Super Cup victory over Chelsea at the beginning of the campaign.

He added: "In the Super Cup and the Club World Cup I was in the squad and also received a medal. I didn't get a medal after winning the Premier League. For this you have to play at least five league matches. My new goal is to also make my debut in the Premier League."

- updated August 17