Liverpool 'forgotten man' hailed as Academy's debt of gratitude for Jurgen Klopp revealed

Barry Lewtas believes Liverpool's thriving Academy has benefitted hugely from Jurgen Klopp's faith in young players this season, saying it has led to "an unbelievable period" for the Kirkby base.

And the Under-21s manager saluted the performances of Kaide Gordon and Rhys Williams as the youngsters beat their Manchester United counterparts 3-0 at Old Trafford on Friday night.

It's been a memorable few months for those at the flourishing Academy with Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley making the breakthrough into the first-team setup on a regular basis under Klopp's guidance.

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The Carabao Cup final success over Chelsea at Wembley in late February was also helped by Bobby Clark, Jayden Danns and James McConnell, who aided their injury-hit colleagues on the day, while the likes of Gordon, Ben Doak, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon have all been used at various points.

Speaking after goals from Gordon, Danns and Trent Kone-Doherty saw the U21s beat United at Old Trafford, Lewtas spoke glowingly of Klopp's willingness to place his trust and belief in the hopefuls within the junior ranks.

"We're unbelievably fortunate that we have a manager and staff who believe in the kids," Lewtas told the ECHO. "And sometimes work can go on at every academy - and good work does go on, there's no question of that if you see these academies - but you need a manager who is willing to play them.

"So for us, the hard work the players have put in and maybe the support we have given them to keep them on the right line, to have a manager who trusts them to produce unbelievable moments is a huge motivator for the clubs as well.

"So when the kids are playing and we talk about Kaide Gordon tonight, well he is motivated because he knows there is opportunity and once players know that they are motivated. So it has been an unbelievable period so let's see what happens, I am sure it will continue."

On Gordon, who made it 2-0 on the night, Lewtas added: "To be fair to Kaide has been a real goal threat for us. He promised me a goal tonight. Well, he promised me a hat-trick but I will take the goal he scored!

"He has been a real threat for us, probably since the Newcastle game his performances have been really good. Tonight was probably where he put it all together, I thought his work rate was great and when we fixed a few things at half-time, he took it on board and how he controlled the middle of the pitch, his ability to carry the ball, good passes, good decisions, good finish.

"I thought tonight was his best performance for us, by far. He looked like a real match-winner. I will be honest, in the pre-match meeting we did mention that (the senior results at Old Trafford and the 9-1 loss for U18s against United last week).

"Not in any sort of way but listen, I think a lot of things are written whatever happens. U18 games are U18 games, you know, I think it was a little bit unfair but people will write what they want about that.

"That is the way it is, fair play to United in that particular game but with us, we've just got to focus on ourselves and we have made the decision to do what we have done this year and I think we have promoted a lot of young boys and Carter (Pinnington) and Amara (Nallo) have played nearly every game.

"But, you know, we do our bit and they do theirs and I think they do theirs really well but the proof is in the pudding and both clubs get players in the first team but it's just different ways of doing it but tonight was a good one."

Lewtas also reserved a word of praise for centre-back Williams, who returned to the club in February after a loan spell with Port Vale was cut short after an injury.

"I have known Rhys for a long time and he has had his injury issues, so on and so forth and sometimes I think you can become a bit of a forgotten man," Lewtas said.

"I think the character he's shown, how he's come in and supported the group, I think that sums up what type of kid he is. He's been brilliant with the two centre-backs.

"Brilliant day to day with them and games like today, he headed it, cleared everything, I think he showed the other two [leadership] and he led the defensive line really well.

"So for him, the way he comes down, how he plays, I think that epitomises his attitude. And you can see the shape he is in and the way he is playing. He was fantastic tonight. In the end, I think Rhys is in a really good place."