Liverpool youngsters impress but Lucas demands patience

Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ovie Ejaria created the headlines in Liverpool’s EFL Cup victory over Leeds United on Tuesday, but Lucas Leiva insists the starlets must be given time to become the finished article.

The Reds’ youngsters were pivotal in seeing Jurgen Klopp’s side through to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup for a third consecutive season, with 17-year-old Woodburn writing his name into the history books at Anfield.

He broke Michael Owen’s 19-year record to become the club’s youngest scorer of all time, while Alexander-Arnold assisted Origi’s opener with a superb delivery from the right.

But Lucas, who led Liverpool on the night, hopes the youngsters can continue to play without pressure and expectation so they can reach their full potential.

“I think when you have a good core in the team, when the young players come in they feel comfortable, they feel confident and that’s what we try to do – let them express themselves because their quality is there,” he said.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“It’s one more game for them to get experience and they just need to keep going and keep learning.

“It was fantastic for Ben. He came on in the last game for just a few minutes, but against Leeds he got a good run and just showed his quality. It was a good goal – good finishing – and he just needs to keep going.

“He is still very young and there is still a lot to learn, but he is a good boy and for sure he can go on to be a big player for Liverpool in the future.

“It’s very good to get through again – another semi-final and we will give everything we can to win this tournament.

“Last year we came very close and against Leeds we showed not only that the squad is very strong, but also that we’re keen to win something, so congratulations to everyone.”