Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has hailed Tyler Morton as a "good footballer" and revealed Johan Cruyff's influence behind the decision to play the Liverpool loanee in the centre of defence during Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over Bradford City.
Morton, who played 11 times in all competitions for the Reds during his breakout campaign last term, made the season-long loan switch to Ewood Park earlier this month to continue his development within the senior game.
And after grabbing an assist on his first start for his new club during the League Cup first round triumph over Hartlepool United two weeks ago, the 19-year-old marked his second start - in the same competition - by lining up in the unfamiliar position of centre-back alongside Louie Annesley for the trip to Yorkshire.
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After Dahl Tomasson's much-rotated XI fell behind to Andy Cook's strike after just 18 minutes, quickfire goals from Bradley Dack and Dilan Markandy ensured there was no upset at Valley Parade as the Championship side booked their place in round three, where Morton's parent club, and current holders, Liverpool will enter the competition.
But despite the unusual positioning, Morton's defensive outing seemed to impress his manager as he revealed his rationale behind deploying the 19-year-old in an unfamiliar position on just his second senior start for the club.
“I didn’t have any choice!" said the former AC Milan man and current Rovers manager after the victory. "I always say good footballer players can play anywhere.
"I told him yesterday, and he was up for the challenges, good players can play anywhere. [Johan] Cruyff always said put the best 11 players on the pitch, and it doesn’t matter where they play.”
The Wallasey-born midfielder boasted an impressive 92 per cent pass completion rate (67/73) and won 100 per cent of his tackles on the night, in addition to all four of his ground duels.
The draw for the League Cup third round will be made on Sky Sports this evening after Tranmere's game against high-flying Newcastle United.
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