The press on MK Dons 0-2 LFC: 'Young guns catch the eye'

The Reds handed competitive debuts to Rhian Brewster, Caoimhin Kelleher and Harvey Elliott, while Hoever celebrated his maiden start with a goal.

Here is what the media made of the victory...

Neil Jones, Goal.com

How encouraging for Jurgen Klopp to witness such a mature performance from his team. Milner, the senior citizen at 33, was the man who set them on their way – albeit with plenty of help from MK Dons goalkeeper Moore – but while he shone, and while there were encouraging minutes for the likes of Joe Gomez, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it was the young guns who caught the eye most. There is something wonderful about watching young players express themselves, free from pressure and without the cynicism which comes with experience. Elliott buzzed, his touch immaculate and his ability to connect with team-mates, young and old, impressive. He wasn't alone. Jones, playing from the left, showed his own development with a series of simple passes and smart turns. He's added nous to his talent in recent months. What a player he could become.

David Lynch, Evening Standard

Liverpool’s place in the next round owes much to the enthusiasm with which their lesser-seen first-team squad members grabbed the chance to put forward a case for more regular football. The likes of Keita, Gomez and Oxlade-Chamberlain are a far cry from the back-ups Klopp would have had to call on in this sort of game early in his reign, and each did enough to show that they can play a key role this season. What’s more, those senior stars were assisted by standout showings from a collection of youngsters who can be considered the club’s most talented since Steven Gerrard followed Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher into the first team at Anfield. Brewster and Jones moved and worked like players who have played under Klopp for years, their status as regulars at Melwood shining through.

Paul Gorst, Liverpool Echo

A whole host of Academy graduates and foreign imports combined with a splash of experience to ensure the Reds reached the fourth round for the first time in three years at Stadium MK. Liverpool's youngsters, in this competition, are essentially playing for more senior time. Klopp is likely to continue to rest his stars for games in this tournament, so their participation hinges on their performances. They didn't disappoint in front of a large crowd in the heart of Milton Keynes. Safely through and in the hat for the next round, Liverpool's teenage talents will fear no one after they turned in an exciting display that belied their tender years against an experienced League One outfit. For a team bursting with teenage talent, Liverpool's maturity here was hugely impressive. The Reds rarely looked flustered or troubled, even when Tisdale's men attempted to batter the door down inside the final 15 minutes. They will surely be handed another opportunity to impress in the next round. Judging by this evidence, it is one they will likely take.

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.