Jamie Carragher thinks Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance against Leeds proves he's capable of challenging for a place in the Liverpool side Jamie Carragher thinks Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance against Leeds proves he's capable of challenging for a place in the Liverpool side

Jamie Carragher praised Liverpool's star youngsters after the 2-0 win over Leeds in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, and says their performances were a credit to Jurgen Klopp.

Ben Woodburn became Liverpool's youngest-ever scorer, notching the second at the Kop late on, while right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold set up Divock Origi's opener with a superb cross.

Woodburn, 17, and Alexander-Arnold, 18, have impressed in their cameo appearances for the first team, and Sky Sports pundit Carragher says Alexander-Arnold in particular is ample back-up for Nathaniel Clyne.

Ben Woodburn became Liverpool's youngest-ever scorer

"I think we now know why Jurgen Klopp went in with only one recognised right-back this season. His performance tonight, and again against Spurs, I think we know now.

"Sometimes you just look at a younger player and they look like an athlete. It's perfect for the full-back position, and you think he's 18 now, imagine what he'll be like in four years' time.

"He looks like he's already got the legs and the pace, the strength is going to come now too.

Trent Alexander-Arnold put in a fine show on Tuesday night against Leeds

"Clyne is an England right-back now, Trent Arnold has a long way to go, but if you're going to have an 18-year-old as your second choice, with the size of the club and with Liverpool fighting on all fronts, it shows the faith Jurgen Klopp has got in him.

"It's massive credit to Jurgen Klopp, and the academy staff in Alex Inglethorpe, Steve Heighway, but never, ever forget it's still the player who has got to do it on the pitch. He's played twice and has been outstanding."

Woodburn beat Michael Owen's record as youngest Liverpool goalscorer, slamming home at the far post to put the game beyond the spirited Leeds.

Highlights from Liverpool v Leeds in the EFL Cup quarter-final Highlights from Liverpool v Leeds in the EFL Cup quarter-final

Carragher, who came up through the ranks at Liverpool himself, says Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold have taken the chances given to them so far.

"I always think people like Michael (Owen) and people like Robbie Fowler, strikers who went on to have fantastic careers at Liverpool, always made an impact early on.

"Whatever that lad does in his career, he'll never forget that moment. The roar of the crowd as he's running away.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Woodburn after the game Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Woodburn after the game

"We always want young players to get a chance, but you can't expect 10 or 12 appearances as a young player. You might get one, two or three games. You've got to make an impact.

"Trent Alexander-Arnold in two games has been outstanding. This lad comes in and scores a goal so you know already the manager will have the faith."

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