The Spanish media were impressed by the exciting 18-year-old Liverpool center-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe after his performance against Atletico Madrid in La Liga this weekend

Young Liverpool defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe now appears to be a mainstay in the Levante first XI after he started a fourth game on the spin for his temporary side.

Just like last week, Ndukwe was also given some praise despite his team going down 2-0 against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Giuliano Simeone scoring in the first half to secure the points for the visitors.

Even though he was part of a defense that conceded twice, Ndukwe took another step forward in his development, getting the chance to go up against the likes of Julian Alvarez and Alex Baena.

"He resolved issues and prevented Atletico Madrid from creating any clear-cut chances," Superdeportes said. "He was reliable when playing the ball out from the back and effective in halting the opposition’s attacks — notably making an interception to dispossess Baena.

"In one particular duel against Alexander Sorloth, he had a mixed moment: he initially lost possession, but then recovered to prevent the Norwegian from scoring."

That doesn't sound that effusive, but only a week ago, the same outlet had claimed after a game against Athletic Club: "If he continues like this, he will establish himself as one of the world's leading center-backs of the future."

Elsewhere, Plaza Deportiva was a little more succinct. Handing him a 6/10 rating, it simply said: "Serious. The center back stuck to Julian Alvarez."

Meanwhile, AS added: "There's still some reliance on certain actions, probably due to his inexperience at 18 years old. But the reality is that he's improving a lot in the center of defense."

Ndukwe impressed for Liverpool during pre-season, but needed to head out on loan to gain enough points for a work permit. That has already been completed, but he is developing in Spain too.

"Obviously I saw the games in pre-season in America," Virgil van Dijk said in August. "He's a big talent, a big guy, and he wants to learn.

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"I had a brief conversation with him, especially in the last couple of days. For him, it is just progressing. I know he has to go on loan I think so let’s see where he ends up.

"I don’t know exactly what the rules are but the matter of fact is that he has to go on loan and wherever he goes, he needs to learn, get better and be ready when he comes back to hopefully stay there."