Liverpool’s victory over Bournemouth would have been impressive under any circumstances. But given the context of key players missing, and Bournemouth being in great form – this was a really special result for Jurgen Klopp.
Take away key linchpins of the team like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai, and most teams would struggle. Especially away from home. But not Liverpool – if anything the Reds absolutely thrived in the second-half.
The way Liverpool were able to run riot against Bournemouth is just yet another testament to the strength in depth Klopp wields at his disposal. But it’s also a reminder of the abundance of talent coming through the club’s academy right now.
Jurgen Klopp did something for the first time since Billy Shankly
The game against Bournemouth was special for many reasons for Jurgen Klopp’s side. But perhaps the most promising aspect of the game was the way Klopp was able to give several young players minutes on the pitch.
Conor Bradley made his Premier League debut. Owen Beck and Bobby Clark also came on towards the end of the game, and Kaide Gordon got a few minutes as well.
In the process of so many young players being involved, football data editor at Opta, Michael Reid pointed out that this was the first time since 1965 (when Billy Shankly was in charge of the club) that Liverpool had six players aged 21 or younger feature in a league match.
The context of that game back in 1965 was that Shankly wanted to rest his players ahead of a hotly anticipated FA Cup final.
This time around, Klopp simply had too many injuries and absentees to contend with, so his hands were forced. But credit to the young players who came in. None of them looked out of place. And that’s yet another sign of Liverpool’s exciting academy at the moment. And the bright future ahead of the club.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
