Red buds bloom Liverpool’s youngest ever starting XI win at home

London, Feb. 5: Liverpool’s youngest ever team proved coach Jurgen Klopp was right to rest his stars as they reached the FA Cup fifth round with a 1-0 win against third-tier Shrewsbury.

Klopp and his entire first team were all absent for the fourth round replay at Anfield as part of the club’s winter break.

The Liverpool manager was criticised for disrespecting the FA Cup, but his youngsters proved up to the task and their mature display was rewarded when Ro-Shaun Williams headed the decisive own goal in the closing stages on Tuesday.

Liverpool will face Chelsea in the last 16 at Stamford Bridge in March.

Klopp had turned over the responsibility of leading Liverpool to the club’s under-23 coach Neil Critchley, who also took charge when the Reds played an under-strength side for their League Cup quarterfinal defeat at Aston Villa earlier this season.

This time, it was purely his decision to ignore the FA Cup, but resting Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and company at least gave fans a glimpse of the next generation.

With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, it was Liverpool’s youngest ever starting line-up in all competitions.

There were seven teenagers, including 16year-old Harvey Elliott, while Pedro Chirivella was the oldest player in the team at 22.

Liverpool-born teenager Curtis Jones became the club’s youngest captain at 19 years and five days. The youngsters showed hunger and showcased their potential.

Despite dominating possession, Liverpool almost fell behind in the 58th minute when Shaun Whalley headed home, only to see VAR disallow the goal for offside against one of his teammates in the build-up.

Liverpool made the most of that escape to win it in the 75th minute. — AFP

● With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, it was Liverpool’s youngest ever starting line-up in all competitions. There were seven teenagers in the side that beat Shrewsbury 1-0.