There is always great excitement and interest around young players coming through the ranks with any football club and at Liverpool this is no exception.
Against Aston Villa on Tuesday night the Reds put out comfortably the youngest team they have ever fielded in a competitive match with an average age of 19 years, six months and three days.
The Carabao Cup quarter-final game, which almost unfairly ended in a 5-0 defeat for a side being managed by Neil Critchley, was therefore a chance for both fans and the Anfield hierarchy to get an exciting glimpse into the future with the Academy players testing their mettle against a strong Premier League side.
And what they would have seen was a truly excellent performance with several young players displaying just why they are thought of as the stars of the next generation.
At the head of the field was Harvey Elliott who time and time again put himself up against an experienced and senior defender in Neil Taylor and consistently came out on top.
The 16-year-old attacker worked tirelessly to lead Liverpool press and force Villa onto the backfoot.
Orjan Nyland in the Villa goal also had to make several smart stops to thwart Elliott and the talented youngster's efforts led to several corners for his side and excitement that this young Liverpool team could get on the scoresheet.
He showed quick feet and strength on several occasions too, linking up with those around him like Luis Longstaff, Tom Hill and Herbie Kane to help get his side into dangerous positions.
It was a magnificent display from a young player who is not far away from truly breaking into Liverpool's first-team and it was not all about going forward.
He often dropped deep to help Liverpool out and work back before displaying a positive attitude to get his side back on the front foot.
There was also 17-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever who had a superb game at right-back and could be a genuine option should Liverpool need some first-team full-back cover.
He was given the task of marshalling talented Premier League and international attackers in the form of Mahmoud Trezeguet and Jota.
The Dutch defender was always there when Liverpool needed him and he won the ball back on so many occasions, thwarting Villa's attack.
His pace was excellent on the night too and stopped several counter-attacks while also displaying a great sense of calm on the ball, turning Jota inside out in his own penalty area to bring Liverpool away from danger.
And, just like Elliott, Hoever's performance was not limited to one end of the field.
He was a constant outlet down the right for Liverpool and broke forward really well to get around the aforementioned English attacker and whip in several dangerous crosses for the Reds.
It was a superb display from both players and both showed they can mix it with the best as they faced off against senior opposition.
Elliott and Hoever are also now set to fly out to Qatar to join Liverpool's first-team players and Klopp at the Club World Cup, after the Reds made special plans for them to join up with their squad.
They can expect a warm reception from the stars of today and will no doubt be told just how well they did by those watching out in the Middle East.
And while not every player who turned out for Liverpool tonight will make it at the club, these are two exceptionally talented youngsters who are already knocking at the door.
Gabby_Smith
538
April 11, Liverpool vs Aston Villa 🔥 😂