Andy Robertson name checked Jayden Danns among the Liverpool youngsters who stood up during Wednesday's Champions League outing.
The Reds knew they were through as one of the top eight sides in Europe and opted to rotate their team for the clash at PSV with a host of young players and fringe stars given opportunities. The Dutch side ran out 3-2 winners but several players staked a claim for more involvement.
Robertson was among the starters who would usually be picked by Arne Slot and he was impressed with Danns' influence on his fourth outing of the season. The frontman previously scored in the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley earlier this month.
The Scot was equally complimentary about James McConnell, who was a strong presence in midfield despite Liverpool being on the wrong side of the scoreline.
He told TNT Sports: "They were really good. [James] McConnell was great in midfield and driving forward. Big [Jayden] Danns was great up top and held up the ball really well. We also had experienced players getting a chance, Federico [Chiesa] was really good and got the 90 minutes he needed."
Robertson added: "We can take a lot of positives from tonight and it was a chance to give the young lads a chance. We got our noses in front at 2-1 and then were a bit naive, which usually doesn't happen. We tried to push when we fell behind but it just didn't happen. Results went our way elsewhere so we finish top and that's what we wanted at the start of the season."
Slot said on McConnell's display: "If I had been surprised that would mean he had not been at this level in training, but he has been competitive. I'm not surprised but you always wonder how they will react on this stage at this level. James deserves credit for his performance today."
Despite the reverse Liverpool finished top of the pile with Barcelona also dropping points, drawing at home to Atalanta. The new format meant there were continued changes throughout the night with Robertson thrilled they already knew their fate.
"Two extra games but tonight looked like carnage, the league table was all over the place, so I'm glad our place was settled. All the games on one night created excitement. We know whatever format it was, our aim is always to get to the last 16 and then we see if we can go further.
"I'm just glad we don't have a play-off and we're in the automatic eight. There will always be tough games so lets see who we face one they fight out in the play-offs."