Jamie Redknapp names Liverpool’s two standout performers at Villa

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Jamie Redknapp has lauded all of Liverpool’s youngsters following their 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday, and told Sky Sports (broadcast on 17/12; 21:36) that Pedro Chirivella and Harvey Elliott were the standout performers for the Reds.

The Reds were arguably unlucky to be on the wrong end of such an emphatic scoreline. BBC Sport reports that the visitors had more attempts on goal than Villa and it would be tough to be too critical of any player in Neil Critchley’s lineup.

But while it may be the end of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup run, it appears that some of those involved are destined for long careers in the first-team at Anfield.

And following the game, Redknapp offered some words of encouragement before explaining which two Liverpool players impressed him most.

“Nobody likes losing, but it’s a brilliant experience,” he told Sky Sports. “The young man, Chirivella in midfield, I thought was exceptional. And Harvey Elliott. I thought they were the two standout players.

“But for all these players, no matter what happens in their life, they’ve played for Liverpool. They’ve put the liver bird on their shirt and that’s a special moment that can never, ever be taken away from them.”

Despite the scoreline, the players can take an enormous amount of confidence from their display. Villa’s lineup included internationals and boasted an average age of 28.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s starting lineup did not boast 28 first-team appearances between them before Tuesday night.

Some must have caught Jurgen Klopp’s eye. And while they are now out of the competition, it would not be a surprise if some of those players had a few more opportunities to look forward to before the campaign concludes.