KOP KIDS ARE FUTURE KINGS
LIVERPOOL may be 16-points clear at the top of the Premier League – but Jurgen Klopp’s star men are still feeling the pressure.
Pressure from the kids who are spearheading the Reds’ bid for the FA Cup this season.
Youngsters like thirdround match-winner against Everton – Curtis Jones – and young teammates Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams, Pedro Chirivella and Yasser Larouci will once again come into the reckoning when Liverpool go to Shrewsbury today.
And it’s clear from the praise dished out by Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson ahead of the trip to New Meadow that they are in Klopp’s thinking on merit.
Gomez, the England defender who at just 22 was one of the more experienced players in the Liverpool team that shocked their local rivals three weeks ago, said: “There are so many top players coming through.
“But despite their age, they are well capable of stepping up into the team – and they showed that against Everton.
“The game against Shrewsbury will probably be another opportunity for them.
“It says everything about the young lads in our dressing room that they didn’t get carried away by what they did in the third round.
“There are no egos in the squad. It’s a great place to work and the manager deserves great credit for creating that environment.
“Beating Everton didn’t surprise anyone at the club, because we work day in, day out as a collective. The manager has honed a style of play, so anyone who steps in knows their job.”
Klopp puts a lot of emphasis on the 11 vs 11 training matches that sharpen the competitive edge of his squad.
Robertson said: “The youngsters couldn’t be at a better club because we’re a squad that trains at 100 per cent every day.
“That work ethic is drilled it into all the young lads very early and it means if they make it at Liverpool – or anywhere else – then they will have successful careers.
“In training, when we play 11 against 11, they won’t be worried if they are asked to play against the team that are European champions.
“Believe me, the young lads hold their own in those games. In fact, they cause us all sorts of problems.
“It isn’t easy breaking into this Liverpool team, but every player adds something to the squad.
“You saw them against Everton. Curt stole the headlines with his goal, but they were all excellent.
“If they do get the nod at Shrewsbury, I’m sure they’ll take their opportunity again.”
Liverpool remain on course for the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup
Treble achieved by Manchester United 21 years ago.
Robertson added: “Winning the Champions League in Madrid last May was a big step.
“We know we’ve put one big trophy in the cabinet – but now we want to add to it.”