Here is your Liverpool morning digest for Friday, October 14.
Jurgen Klopp double decision pays off
Among the many sticks with which the critics have relished beating Liverpool in the wake of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal has been the respective age of the two teams, writes Ian Doyle.
The Gunners, younger and more sprightly, were claimed to be the new generation, the ageing Reds now heading for has-been territory. That, though, could not be an accusation made here as Jurgen Klopp looked to the future with 20-year-old Fabio Carvalho – making his first Champions League start – on the left flank and Harvey Elliott, still only 19, on the other wing of a heavily-rotated starting line-up.
If necessary given the injury to Luis Diaz and knock that restricted the minutes of Diogo Jota, it was nevertheless a sizeable show of faith by Klopp in the ability of the young duo to handle the white-hot Ibrox cauldron.
Both found it difficult at first, Carvalho dispossessed to initiate Rangers’ opener, Elliott too often peripheral first half. They could easily have been hooked at the break. Klopp, though, saw no reason to change, and was handsomely rewarded with both integral to Liverpool’s remarkable second-half performance.
Elliott helped initiate the second goal, Carvalho prompted the third before the former delighted in notching his first Champions League goal after a lengthy VAR check.
In terms of a learning curve, this was one successfully travelled by the youngsters. Both will hope this is only the beginning.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Youngster gives Liverpool some serious thinking to do
Liverpool continued their 100% UEFA Youth League record with a thrilling 4-3 win over Rangers on Wednesday.
Oakley Cannonier scored twice alongside Melkamu Frauendorf's effort and Ben Doak's winner in a game that also saw Lee Jonas sent off early into the second half.
The ECHO was on hand at Firhill Stadium to provide analysis of the game as Barry Lewtas' side made it four wins from four in their group.
And we focus on the performance of three players in particular, starting with Ben Doak.
In a game that had strikers scoring braces, defenders being sent off, a penalty and seven goals in total, it was Doak's sensational performance that was still the main talking point from a contest that virtually had it all.
Only the former Celtic youngster will know how much personal motivation he takes from a meeting with Rangers but the No.7 was once again outstanding for Lewtas' Under-19s in this hugely entertaining victory.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
READ NEXT:
New post-match footage of Gabriel and Jordan Henderson emerges from Arsenal vs Liverpool game
- Andy Robertson makes Liverpool injury admission and sends 'difficult' Man City warning
- Virgil van Dijk fumes at Liverpool team-mates as Thiago Alcantara bemused by referee
- Mikel Arteta breaks silence on FA investigation after Arsenal's Liverpool complaint
- FSG have £300m Kylian Mbappe dilemma as Liverpool face transfer decision
