Liverpool fans showered under 23 with support after the FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury
It was an unforgettable night for the children of Liverpool in Anfield.
The under-23s of the club had the task of defeating the Shrewsbury League One team in their replay of the fourth round of the FA Cup and prevailed, a goal in own goal of former Manchester United player Ro-Shaun Williams who booked a meeting with Chelsea in the next round.
With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, this was the youngest lineup that Liverpool has started in a football match in any competition.
And the signs suggest that the future is bright, with Neil Critchley’s side running out of worthy winners.
Liverpool had 12 shots against the three of Shrewsbury and had 58% of possession.
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So there was nothing to worry about Jurgen Klopp, currently on a break, hence his absence.
Shrewsbury was not happy that Liverpool reduced the cost of tickets to the game, but it resulted in Critchley players playing in front of a crowded crowd, with 52,399 fans attending.
And many full-time local fans to show their appreciation to young people, with players gaining the support of the Kop.
We are used to seeing these scenes with Klopp and his players. Tuesday was the turn of Critchley and the children.
It must be a surreal experience for many of those children. Regardless of how their careers develop, everyone will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Just last month, Pep Guardiola was calling Manchester City fans for his little assistance at home to Fulham in the Carabao Cup, with 39,223 who came to see.
Compare that situation with Anfield last night, where more than 50,000 attended.
Critchley later revealed that Klopp had been in touch after the victory to express his delight.
“The boss was in touch this afternoon with some words of advice and encouragement, which was very nice of him,” said the coach under 23, according to the Liverpool website.
“We received a small message, I haven’t checked my phone yet, but in the end we had a message from the staff and they are absolutely delighted with the performance. It’s buzzing.”
“We have given him a match against Chelsea to wait.”
Some of the young people may receive the call to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in March.
