Despite a heavy defeat, it was still a performance for Liverpool’s youngsters to be proud of against Aston Villa on Tuesday.
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The Reds were forced to put out a side full of academy players in the League Cup quarter-final due to their Club World Cup commitments, and they were distinct underdogs in the match against the Villans. The 5-0 scoreline was not exactly surprising, but the Anfield outfit gave a good account of themselves. They had more shots, and also managed 58% possession. In the end, though, it is the scoreline that counts, and Liverpool now exit the competition.
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It was actually the youngest team in the club’s history, and at 22 years of age, Pedro Chirivella was the oldest player in red on the pitch. On the night, he ended being one of Neil Critchley’s best players.
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Going forward, he looked supremely comfortable. He managed 105 touches of the ball, as per SofaScore, which was only bettered by centre-back Morgan Boyes, and he also had an 88% passing accuracy as well. Not only that, he also made two key passes, whilst two of his six crosses found their man as well.
Defensively, too, he looked solid. He won three of his four ground duels, whilst he also made two tackles and two interceptions. During the 90 minutes he was on the field, he was dribbled past just once.
Given the captain’s armband for this game, he made his extra experience tell. He clearly has the most professional appearances to date amongst those to feature, with this being his 60th appearance for the Merseyside club. Previously having spent time on loan at Eredivisie clubs Willem II and Go Ahead Eagles, he gave his teammates someone to look up to. Being given the armband in a cup quarter-final could have seen him crumble under the pressure, but he rose to the occasion and commanded the midfield.
Whilst the scoreline will have been disappointing, both for Critchley and for Jurgen Klopp, the performances of a number of players will have given them cause for optimism. Chirivella will have been one of those to have pleased them.
Elsewhere, Liverpool eye this young Frenchman.
