Liverpool crashes out of UEFA Youth League but 15-year-old makes impression

Liverpool's U19 players were beaten 2-1 by MSK Zilina in the UEFA Youth League round of 32 in Slovakia on Tuesday, with 15-year-old Josh Abe making his debut as the young Reds exited the competition

Liverpool Academy coach Rob Page tasted defeat on Tuesday(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool remains without a victory in an away knockout fixture in the UEFA Youth League following this season's disappointing conclusion.

Despite Kieran Morrison's early strike, the young Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat to MSK Zilina in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at the Stadion pod Dubnom in Slovakia on Tuesday.

Coached by Rob Page, Wales' manager at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the U19 players found it difficult to cope with the physical demands and challenging pitch conditions in wintry weather, resulting in elimination from the Youth League at the round of 32 stage for the second consecutive year. Here's what happened in Slovakia...

Defensive concerns

Availability problems at the back aren't exclusive to the senior squad. With Carter Pinnington serving a suspension and Wellity Lucky sidelined with a hamstring problem, Page was deprived of crucial defenders for this knockout encounter.

Lucky's absence proved particularly significant, given Liverpool had kept clean sheets in all three matches he'd featured in during this competition. In the three fixtures without him, the Reds had conceded 13 goals.

Amara Nallo, who appeared as a substitute in last week's Champions League tie against Qarabag, lined up alongside Emmanuel Airoboma. However, the duo were culpable for Zilina's decisive goal, allowing Frantisek Kosa to burst through them onto a pass before finding the net.

Liverpool's UEFA Youth League campaign is over(Image: Getty Images)

Both players were withdrawn before the final whistle, with Prince Cisse replacing Airoboma whilst an injured Nallo was substituted by Lucas Clarke. It proved a challenging evening for the entire defence, with D.J. Esdaille facing a stern test in the opening period, particularly, having only returned last month following an extended injury lay-off.

His clearing header in the 35th minute fell kindly for Fabian Bzdyl, who hammered home the equalizer with a first-time strike from the edge of the box.

Physical difference

The physical disparity between the two sides was most evident in the middle of the park. Joe Upton, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Monday and has impressed throughout the campaign, and 17-year-old Hayden Murray-Holme, making his maiden start in the competition, both possess quality, but neither boasts significant height.

This became problematic during the midfield battles, especially after the latter received a somewhat harsh yellow card in the first half. The absence of Pinnington, who featured twice in defensive midfield during the initial UEFA Youth League phase, was keenly felt.

Consequently, the 6ft frame of 17-year-old striker Will Wright - Liverpool's youngest starter on his first Youth League appearance since picking up an injury in the opening fixture against Atletico Madrid in September - was primarily deployed defending set-pieces rather than in an attacking capacity.

Zilina's players, roared on by a vociferous home support, were worthy victors, although the Reds youngsters will have benefited greatly from the experience of competing in such a hostile environment.

Abe impresses

The match began promisingly. Within four minutes, after Trent Kone-Doherty won the ball in midfield, Josh Sonni-Lambie played a pass wide to Morrison, who drove into the box and slotted home into the bottom corner.

However, Liverpool's lack of meaningful goalscoring opportunities between that opener and Morrison forcing a save with a long-range effort in the 88th minute highlights how the Reds were largely dominated until a late surge in the final quarter.

It wasn't through lack of effort from Sonni-Lambie, who consistently impressed in the No. 10 position with his ability to retain possession and link up play. The 18-year-old is enjoying a standout season with 19 goals at the Academy level.

There was also a UEFA Youth League debut for 15-year-old Josh Abe, the winger entering the fray midway through the second half and making his presence felt with his speed and tight ball control.

A number of Liverpool's players will remain eligible for the competition next season, and will now be hoping their involvement is secured by the senior side qualifying for the Champions League.

LIVERPOOL U19s: Misciur; Esdaille, Nallo (Clarke 85), Airoboma (Cisse 70), Ayman; Upton, Murray-Holme (Abe 67); Morrison, Sonni-Lambie, Kone-Doherty; W Wright. Subs: Bernard, M Wright, Bradshaw, O'Connor, Farkas, Forrester.