Programme notesJürgen Klopp hails Liverpool's 'outstanding' Academy

Five youth-team regulars were named in the Reds’ starting line-up against Shrewsbury Town last Sunday, with another two making substitute appearances in the 4-1 Emirates FA Cup third-round win.

And, writing in the official programme for this evening’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg versus Arsenal at Anfield, Klopp states: “For our younger players, it really was a fantastic effort and I’m very grateful for how they performed for this team and the club.

“I am never short of a positive word to say about the work our Academy guys do. They help to nurture players who are exceptional young men as well as very talented athletes. Their hunger to learn is what stands out.

“They come to us with a freshness and eagerness to absorb all the knowledge and experience of the more established stars around them. That is because of the outstanding LFC Academy staff. The environment they create, the culture.

“Ultimately the young players must be receptive, and how they adapt and integrate is very much down to them. If you ask any of our first team they will tell you we are blessed with an exceptional group.

“There were a lot of ‘firsts’ on Sunday against Shrewsbury and it has been a season of ‘firsts’ for many of these younger pros. The crucial thing for them now is to make sure the ‘firsts’ turn into ‘first of many’ and definitely not into ‘lasts’.

“The opportunity at this club is always there. I’ve referenced the outstanding football education they get in the Academy but within my first-team staff they also have amazing champions.

“Pep, Pete and Vitor invest themselves wholeheartedly into developing these talents so they can be ready to play in the senior set-up. Likewise John, Jack and Taffarel with the young ’keepers.”

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