December 14, (THEWILL) – Jurgen Klopp, opted to give youth a chance as he fielded Liverpool’s youngest ever European starting eleven, with an average age of just over 21, in a 2-1 Europa League defeat away to Belgian side Union Saint Gilloise. With Liverpool’s knockout qualification already secured, Klopp rested stars like Mohamed Salah to give the club’s young talents an opportunity.
The gamble did not pay off though as Union Saint Gilloise, proved too strong on the night for Liverpool’s inexperienced team. A first senior goal for 20-year-old centre-back Jarell Quansah, was the only highlight for the visitors. His equaliser on 40 minutes brought up a club record of 34 successive matches with a Liverpool goal.
However, Liverpool struggled for momentum against a Union side with just one loss at home all through the current season. The hosts retook the lead shortly before half time when Cameron Puertas beat goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, from a tight angle.
The second half saw Klopp bring on established players like Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott but Liverpool remained second best, unable to create many chances and relying on VAR to disallow a late Union goal. In the end, Union Saint Gilloise deservedly won 2-1, condemning Liverpool to just their second Europa League loss this season.
Klopp’s young talents gained valuable experience but the Reds manager may think twice before risking such an inexperienced team in Europe again soon. Liverpool now switch focus to the Anfield EPL clash with old rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
