Jurgen Klopp has praised Liverpool's Africa Cup of Nations trio for coping with the pressure of the tournament - and expects them to hit the ground running on their return.
Mohamed Salah's Egypt booked a place in Sunday's final against Sadio Mane and Senegal after beating hosts Cameroon on penalties following a tense goalless draw on Thursday evening.
Naby Keita had previously impressed for Guinea during the group stage before missing their round of 16 defeat to Gambia through suspension.
And Klopp is delighted his pre-tournament declaration he hoped one of his players would win the AFCON is about to come true.
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"It's difficult to get that far in a tournament," said the Reds boss on Friday. "They are the superstars there, so the pressure they had on their shoulders is massive.
"And how they have dealt with it I'm really proud of them, to be honest, and now two of them are in the final. It's a great achievement.
"Naby played an exceptional tournament as well - unfortunately he was suspended for Guinea in a decisive game for them.
"So far, it has been a successful tournament for our boys. It will be exciting, it's obviously not so easy as one will definitely be really happy and the other one much less so.
"But both have a good chance to achieve something really big.
"All the experience these boys get in these situations help us, of course. Short-term I'm not sure, but long-term definitely. And it will help them as well."
AFCON duties have meant the trio have each missed Liverpool's last five games, although Keita, having trained back at Kirkby this week, is in contention to feature in Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Championship side Cardiff City.
Mane and Salah will return to Liverpool early next week, and Klopp believes there is a chance the pair could be involved in Thursday's Premier League visit of Leicester City.
"I think they will be available, but we will see," he said. "The one who wins will probably fly back to their home country for a celebration.
"Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, the winner will be back. And the other one probably slightly earlier.
"Then I have to talk to them. One thing is they have rhythm! They have played quite a few games but we will see."
