'Flanagan has now come of age'
John Aldridge expects Jon Flanagan's composed performance in Saturday's breathless Merseyside derby to significantly increase the defender's chances of an extended run in the side.
In making his first-ever appearance against Everton, the 20-year-old produced an assured display from an unorthodox left-back position as the two sides traded blows.
The former Liverpool striker was highly impressed by the No.38, who he has watched regularly for the club's Academy teams in recent years, observing a 'typical Scouser' in Flanagan.
"It was great to see a local lad like Jon Flanagan do so well in the derby," Aldridge wrote in the Liverpool Echo.
"I thought the young full-back was brilliant - he was the only player who didn't misplace a pass. Flanagan did nothing wrong and has really come of age.
"He showed his versatility by playing on the left-hand side and along with Simon Mignolet was our best player.
"I've been watching him closely for the past three years and he has ability mixed with gritty determination - he's a typical Scouser.
"There are similarities between Flanagan and Jamie Carragher early in his career. While Jose Enrique is out injured, Flanagan has a great chance of getting a run in the team."