Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has joined Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite's growing list of admirers.

The Anfield club's manager picked out the Cumbrian defender for praise ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Liverpool got the better of Branthwaite and Everton after Mo Salah's double gave them a 2-0 win in the Premier League.

But the game saw another accomplished defensive performance by ex-Carlisle defender Branthwaite in the Toffees' defence.

The Wigton star was namechecked by Klopp in the build-up to the game.

Speaking in a press conference, the Liverpool manager said: "[Everton's] last line [is] super-experienced, and with Branthwaite now a really good left-footed centre-half."

Branthwaite has come in for regular praise since forcing his way into Sean Dyche's team in the early stages of this season.

The defender has also earned two England Under-21 caps in recent weeks, having also signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old Cumbrian is seizing his chance after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season.

A number of clubs have been linked with interest in Branthwaite, including Manchester United and Manchester City, but he seems set to be a fixture in Everton's defence for the immediate future.

Branthwaite played the full game at Anfield as Everton, who had Ashley Young sent off in the first half, went down to defeat.