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Liverpool would have been “lost” without their young players this season, says manager Jurgen Klopp.
Injuries to senior players Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Thiago Alcantara, Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have forced Klopp to play with some youngsters.
Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and defenders Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips made their senior debuts, while Neco Williams and Curtis Jones also participated regularly.
“They were well prepared,” Klopp said.
“When one door closes another opens, but you need the right kids to use, and how the kids did it.
“Rhys [Williams] It has been exceptional, Neco [Williams] played two good games in a row. Curtis [Jones] he plays like he has for 10 years.
“Vitor Matos and Pep Lijnders are very close to that group and they were well prepared. That is why we could use them.”
The five youngsters, who have an average age of 20.4 years, have played 1,572 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against FC Midtjylland Klopp, Klopp also confirmed that his team has no concerns about further injuries.
“There is no news from the team. That is good news,” said the German.
“Nobody suffered any kind of problems or injuries against the Wolves that would rule them out.
“On the other hand, no one is close enough to go back to the team.”
The Reds secured first place in Group D with a 1-0 victory over Ajax last week.
Their Danish opponents will finish last in the group of four teams.
What are Liverpool’s chances of winning the Champions League?
Entertainment data company Gracenote says Liverpool have a 16% chance of winning the Champions League.
Simon Gleave, Gracenote’s Head of Sports Analysis, said: “Liverpool’s chances of winning the Champions League this season have not changed much during the group stage as the Reds were almost certain of reaching the knockout stage.
“Liverpool are currently the second favorite behind the champion and Euro Club Index Bayern Munich, the best classified, to win the competition. ”
A new Champions League record for Liverpool? – Statistics
- The only previous meeting between FC Midtyjlland and Liverpool was won 2-0 by Jurgen Klopp’s side, thanks to goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.
- Liverpool have won all three of their previous matches against Danish opponents in the European Cup / Champions League, scoring eight goals in total and keeping a clean sheet in every match.
- Liverpool have finished at the top of their Champions League group for the third time in the past four seasons – victory here will see them win up to five matches in a single Champions League group stage for the first time in competition. .
- Liverpool have won their final Champions League group stage game in each of the last three seasons, scoring 10 goals and conceding none in this streak.
- Liverpool have won four of their last five Champions League away matches (L1) and are looking to win three consecutive European Cup / Champions League away games for the first time since a streak of five between September 1983 and September 1984.
- Caoimhin Kelleher kept a clean sheet in his Champions League debut for Liverpool last time against Ajax; No goalkeeper has recorded a shutout in each of his first two Champions League starts for the Reds.
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