Jordan Henderson praises teenage midfielders Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott after MK Dons performance

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Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has praised Liverpool’s youngsters with some very kind words for Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones. Writing in the Liverpool matchday programme (with quotes via The Liverpool Echo), Henderson paid tribute to the club’s academy starlets.

Jurgen Klopp handed five senior debuts to Liverpool players last week in the EFL Cup clash with MK Dons. Henderson was impressed by their performances and described Elliott and Jones as “tremendous” and “brilliant”.

Henderson on Elliott

Elliott made his first-team debut aged just 16 – but he has already gained senior experience at Fulham. The lively teenage winger’s performance was hailed for being mature by Henderson.

Henderson said (via The Liverpool Echo): “To see Harvey Elliott play as maturely and as confidently as he did, aged just 16, was tremendous.”

Henderson on Jones

Jones played in midfield against MK Dons and produced a man of the match performance. It was a special moment for the 18-year-old – who grew up in the city and has played for the club since he was a schoolboy.

Henderson said (via The Liverpool Echo): “We were all buzzing for Curtis Jones to pick up the MOTM award, particularly knowing how much it will have meant to him being a local lad.

“Well-deserved as well – he was brilliant. But I think Curt would be the first to admit there were plenty of decent candidates for it on the night.”

TBR’s view

Liverpool have a really exciting crop of youngsters on their books and this was evident in the clash with MK Dons. Klopp knows that he can call up Jones, Elliott, Rhian Brewster or others if needed.

It is also important for Henderson – the club captain and role model – to acknowledge the talent Liverpool have in their academy. This will give Jones and Elliott a major confidence boost ahead of other potential first-team matches.