29 February 2024 , 08:04
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Jurgen Klopp has reminded his sensational kids that they have “a lot to learn” and is pleading with fans and pundits not to expect too much from his teenage heroes.
“It’s a little bit like the new darts sensation, it’s fine for tonight” said Klopp, referring to Luke Littler. “But tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner - they have a lot to improve and learn.”
And Klopp admitted that the stunning emergence of so much young talent has been a unique development in his long managerial career, saying: “It is special and, for me, strange as well. I never had that, that you play with so many kids. It is a really interesting experience.”
For the first time in Liverpool's history, two 18-year-olds scored in the same game on Wednesday night as a first half strike from Lewis Koumas and two late beauties from substitute Jayden Danns saw off Southampton and booked a mouth-watering quarter-final tie against Manchester United.
And Klopp even gave a debut to 16-year-old Trey Nyoni, who became the youngest player to appear in the FA Cup for Liverpool.
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“With Trey, you can see there is absolutely no body,” said Klopp. “I don’t know what his weight is, but he is very mature on the ball.”
While Klopp is clearly trying to ease supporters’ expectations surrounding the likes of Koumas, Danns, Bobby Clark and James McConnell - and a second string Southampton should have been ahead after the first half at Anfield - he cannot hide the fact there seems to be a special bunch of youngsters coming through the Anfield ranks.
Klopp went on: “They are exceptional talents. We've said it a few times that the future does not look too bad but maybe the people don’t forget it when the transfer window opens. We have a couple of pretty promising players already, so don’t close the door for them with 12 signings.”
Jurgen Klopp embraces Lewis Koumas, who scored against Southampton (AFP via Getty Images)Danns, in particular, looks like an attacking prospect way beyond his years and has been a prolific scorer at junior level.
“He (Danns) showed in the final that he can arrive in the right moment - he did it three times and with a longer toe, he probably scores already in the final. Striking instincts, no doubt about that. It is not natural that a boy is calm as you like and just chipped the ball (Danns’ first goal against Southampton.”
But while Klopp does not want the sort of spotlight on his kids that was shone on 17-year-old Littler after he announced himself into the sporting world, the Liverpool boss admits the teenagers have written a special chapter in Liverpool history.
Klopp said: “I can’t imagine what this must feel for the boys, it feels pretty good for me. I know about all the problems we have around here and they don't have that. so they can just fly.
"They deserve that. It is the week of the Academy … it is exceptional.”
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