The names of Oakley Cannonier and Ben Doak may be commanding the headlines with their goalscoring exploits in the UEFA Youth League this season.
But it's an unheralded pairing at the other end of the pitch providing the foundation for Liverpool's 100% start to the competition.
Centre-backs Jarell Quansah and Lee Jonas will hope to continue developing their burgeoning partnership when the Reds under-19s take on Rangers at Firhill Park this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gives Liverpool injury update for three players and makes Rangers promise
Consistency at the back has been key to Liverpool conceding just twice in their three group games thus far, with Quansah's absence from the 4-0 home win over Ajax the only time the duo haven't started with Isaac Mabaya and Luke Chambers in the right and left-back positions respectively.
Quansah returned for last Tuesday's 4-1 romp over Rangers at Kirkby where he followed one assist by powering in a header in the second half. And of the defensive duo, Liverpool coach Barry Lewtas says: "They are building quite a good partnership. We have had to take a little bit of time with a couple of injuries which has been difficult, but on the whole they have been the mainstay.
"They both complement each other really well and they help the full-backs. It’s a really good unit at the back we have at the moment.
"The more you play in these European games, you get a gauge of the players’ mentality. I had to remind the players last week against Rangers that while they were devastated at conceding in the last minute, in reality they had played unbelievably well and scored four goals. But keeping concentration is important because there will be times when games are a bit closer.”
Cannonier, who has five goals in three UEFA Youth League games this season, warmed up at the weekend by stepping off the bench to score twice late on for the U21s in their 5-0 Premier League 2 demolition at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday.
And Lewtas adds: “Oakley has moved up from the 18s this season and we are able to get him a game a week at the moment in the Youth League. With Layton Stewart starting for the 21s, it’s a nice little combination we have there and we will see what we do when the selection headache comes further down the line. But it has been great for Oakley."
Liverpool, who have qualified for the UEFA Youth League knockout stages every time they have entered the competition, are three points ahead at the summit of Group A with only the winners guaranteed a last-16 berth. And Lewtas says: "We've made a really good start but that's all it is, a good start, and the lads are well aware of that. The next games are going to be really pivotal, the next two in particular.
"I thought we were very good (against Rangers) because we were playing against a very good team. I watched them play against Ajax when they missed a penalty and also hit the post. We knew what we were up against.
"We are not going up there resting on that and we know we are up against a really good opponent. We are going to have to play the way we want to play but show them a different hand as well."
READ NEXT:
- Every word Jurgen Klopp said on Liverpool injury news, Jordan Henderson, team and Rangers preview
- Liverpool handed surprise injury boost and three other things spotted in training
- Five ways Liverpool could replace Luis Diaz as clear favourite emerges after major injury blow
- What FA are doing next in Jordan Henderson and Gabriel Magalhaes investigation after Arsenal vs Liverpool complaint
- Former Liverpool star sends 'catastrophic' transfer warning to Jurgen Klopp
