Watch Brighton vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event on Wednesday from 8pm; Kick-off is at 8.15pm By Rory O'Callaghan

Last Updated: 07/07/20 4:29pm

1:49 Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool's first team could one day consist purely of Scousers from the academy Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool's first team could one day consist purely of Scousers from the academy

Jurgen Klopp is hopeful Liverpool will be able to field "a team full of Scousers" within the next decade after seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones graduate from the academy.

Jones, 19, committed his long-term future to his boyhood club by a signing a new deal on Saturday, before scoring his first Premier League goal the following day in a 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

Klopp believes there is enough local talent to eventually fill a full senior team and says he will continue to give opportunities to younger players from all backgrounds.

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"Here we will always try to use them as often as possible because the dream is to have all boys [in a team]," said Klopp at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday's trip to Brighton, live on Sky Sports.

"It will not happen in the next five years but maybe 10 years, it would be great to have a team full of Scousers, why not?

"It is not a bad thing to be a Scouser, it is a good thing. They are hardworking, it is clear that they will fight like crazy... the characteristics of a Scouser.

Liverpool-born Curtis Jones signed a new long-term deal with the club earlier this month

"But the door is always open for all the other boys who want to play good football. Liverpool is a very open-minded club."

Liverpool have also moved to secure the future of London-born Harvey Elliott, signing the 17-year-old to his first professional deal on Monday.

Elliott, who joined Liverpool from Fulham last summer, has made eight senior appearances for Liverpool this season, including two in the Premier League.

Klopp believes he already has the next generation of talent lined up and has been impressed with the maturity of his younger players.

"We have a good team, which already has a good age group, but the future is already prepared with a few really, really good footballers," he added.

0:41 Klopp says he has the next generation of talent already lined up at Anfield Klopp says he has the next generation of talent already lined up at Anfield

"I am really happy that the boys see it the same way. For young players, the biggest plus they have is time but when they lose patience, things can go not exactly like they should go.

"Our boys want to play, want to be involved and see everything in training. They are really close but not losing patience that they are not playing 90 minutes every three days, or something like that.

"We try to help them as much possible to become the best player they can be. That's what we do with all the players but with the younger players, the responsibility is obviously bigger on our side.

"That is why I really like how these boys have committed 100 per cent to that way. It is a wonderful sign for all of us that the next few are already lined up."

Liverpool travel to face Brighton on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool need 12 points from their remaining five games to set a new Premier League record of 101 points in a season.

The Reds continue their campaign away at Brighton on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, and Klopp has been impressed with Graham Potter, who looks to set to guide the Seagulls to safety in his first full season in charge.

"It is the biggest challenge as a football manager, to implement your ideas while you have to produce results," said Klopp.

"Nobody waits nowadays for the results, everyone wants to see them immediately. I have a lot of respect for what Graham is doing there."

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Elliott's deal is "brilliant news"

Last Updated: 06/07/20 4:20pm

Harvey Elliott joined Liverpool from Fulham in the summer of 2019

Harvey Elliott has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool.

Elliott, who joined Liverpool from Fulham last summer, has been eligible to sign a professional deal since turning 17 in April.

2:59 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Liverpool's win over Aston Villa in the Premier League FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Liverpool's win over Aston Villa in the Premier League

The club did not confirm the length of the contract signed by Elliott, who can play on the wing or as a forward.

The England youth international has made eight senior appearances for Liverpool this season, including two outings during Jurgen Klopp's side's Premier League-winning campaign.

Elliott helped a young Liverpool team record notable victories in the domestic cup competitions this season

"I think since the first day I've walked in, it's been an indescribable journey so far," Elliott told the club's website.

"I think now to top it off with my first professional contract is a dream come true for me and my family. I'm excited to see what the future holds and I'm just excited to give everything to the club and the fans."

The majority of Elliott's appearances during his debut campaign with the club have come in domestic cup competitions. He started three games each in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, featuring in a young side that recorded notable victories over vastly more experienced Arsenal and Everton teams.

Elliott previously became the youngest player to feature in the Premier League when he made his debut for Fulham last season, aged just 16 years and 30 days.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Harvey Elliott's contract extension is 'brilliant news' for the club

"Brilliant news - really happy," Klopp told the club website.

"Harvey is such an exciting prospect. We all know his qualities - we have seen them this season in the first team and U23s.

"I love his attitude - love his enthusiasm - love his bravery - love the fact he has the right amount of football confidence and cheekiness.

"What is critical - so important - is that he is given time and space to develop. He will get that from us. He needs to be allowed to make mistakes while he learns and not feel more pressure than is right and fair.

"What is great is that he has the perfect culture here and we will protect him. The senior players and the coaches really care about him and are as excited as I am about his future. So, we will all be part of his story as it unfolds."

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