'Youngsters are confident and they are helping the team'
Liverpool's emerging youngsters give Sadio Mane even more optimism for what the side can achieve this season and beyond.
The Senegal international was part of a Reds team comprising youth and experience on Tuesday night, as Leeds United were beaten 2-0 to secure a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Trent Alexander-Arnold impressed at right-back, Ovie Ejaria was a calm presence in midfield and substitute Ben Woodburn became the club’s youngest ever goalscorer with his late strike.
“We have a great team this season and all the young players are playing confidently and are doing well, and the game will become easier for them. I think they will help the team to move up,” Mane told Press Association Sport.
Woodburn’s Kop-end blast in the 80th minute doubled Liverpool’s advantage moments after Divock Origi had broken the deadlock against the Championship outfit from Alexander-Arnold’s cross.
In finding the net, the Wales youth international created history – setting a new record as the youngest player to score for the club aged 17 years and 45 days.
Mane said: “I want to congratulate him. He is a very good player and has a very good future.
“I hope he will keep going and working hard and I think he will be a great player. Everyone was happy for him to score his first goal, especially in a big atmosphere at Anfield.”