The young midfielder impressed when coming on from the brench
Brendan Rodgers much-changed young looking Liverpool team got off to a middling start in the Europa League last night, managing a narrow draw with Ligue 1 side Girondins de Bordeaux.
Liverpool took the lead through Adam Lallana mid way through the second half, after a superb nutmeg and a beautifully places shot, reminiscent of Anthony Martial’s goal of the season on Saturday night.
Shortly after the Reds conspired to letting a disappointing goal from near the edge of the box and then played out for a draw.
It was a night of disappointment after taking the lead so late on but Rodgers was pleased with the performances of many of his young stars.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, via Liverpoolfc.com, Rodgers said: “You’re obviously disappointed, but I was more satisfied and encouraged by the performance.
“We had so many young players in the team – and some of these players were playing their first games – so I thought it was very encouraging.
“Coming away in European games is always tough to do, but with the lack of experience we had and a lot of the young players, I was delighted with that.”
There was certainly a lack of experience, even among some of the more senior players, so in many ways there are some positives to take.
With the likes of Jordan Rossiter, Jordan Ibe and Joe Gomez starting and Pedro Chirivella and Cameron Brannagan entering the match off the bench, the Reds fielded a very young side overall throughout the night and Rodgers was pleased with how they fared.
He continued: “I was so proud of them tonight.
“I’ll always give young players an opportunity if they’ve got the personality.
“This is part of the growth of a young player – do they go out on loan or do you keep them here and put them under that pressure?
“A lot of our players are actually out on loan, but Jordan Rossiter and young Pedro gained more control as the game wore on.
“They were able to combine better with other players. It’s invaluable experience for them and I thought they acquitted themselves very well.
“Jordan came off with cramp and Cameron [Brannagan] comes on and slides into the position well.
“You take those two and you look at Jordon Ibe who is only 19 on the side, Joe Gomez is 18, so there is great encouragement there for young players and the supporters when they see them giving that type of performance.”
