Young guns have Reds on target for history
REGARDLESS of how far Liverpool’s FA Cup journey lasts, Jurgen Klopp’s kids have already had a big impact on their charge towards the Premier League title.
Anfield’s next generation announced themselves by beating Everton in the third round and will be on show again at League One Shrewsbury today, headed by 18year-old Curtis Jones, whose wonder strike saw off the Toffees, and 16-year-old Harvey Elliott.
Their progress is no surprise to defender Andy Robertson who says the quality of training games at Melwood lies behind Liverpool’s unprecedented run of 22 wins in 23 league matches this season.
‘The young lads hold their own against us,’ he revealed. ‘They are the yellows in 11 v 11s and they cause us all sorts of problems.
‘That’s why we’re ready at the weekend, because we’ve faced very good opposition on the Friday in terms of trying stuff.
‘Our young players are excellent. They add so much to our squad. When you see lads such as Curtis and Harvey, they are pushing Mo
Salah and Jordan Henderson in those positions. They are really good and the manager has shown he’s not scared to blood them in big games.’
Joe Gomez, 22, was one of the most experienced Liverpool players in the Everton game.
The England defender says his rookie team-mates are able to slot into the first-team because Klopp insists that every age group at Liverpool plays the same way.
‘As a club, we have a style of play that is honed every day by the gaffer,’ he said. ‘It means that everyone who steps up knows their jobs. Then it is about playing and enjoying the experience.
‘The youngsters have shown they were capable of stepping up and I think Sunday will be another opportunity for that to happen.’
Among those hoping to get another chance at Shrewsbury are Yasser Larouci, Pedro Chirivella and Neco Williams.
Robertson, though, said they still need the help of senior players to have a good cup run. ‘Adam Lallana was man of the match in the third round. A lot of players might have been affected by being picked in such a young team but
Adam said: “You know what, I am going to show you how good I am. I’ll show I will be the best player”.’
Klopp is likely to mix and match again ahead of a Premier League trip to West Ham in midweek. Key figures like Virgil van Dijk should be rested but senior players Joel Matip, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are likely to feature.
Robertson said: ‘Every game we go into, we look to win. People probably raised their eyebrows at the team we put out against Everton but we believe anyone who trains with us is good enough to play for the club.’