Lucas Leiva Impressed By Liverpool's Youth 'Standouts' During Injury Crisis

Lucas Leiva was impressed with what he saw from the bench as a young Liverpool side battled to a 2-2 draw against Exeter on Friday evening.

And the Brazilian says a much-needed rest from action in that game means he and his fellow first-team regulars are primed to return in what is a huge week for the Reds.

With injuries mounting during a hectic run of games, manager Jurgen Klopp took the brave decision to name a youthful team for the trip to St. James Park.

The German handed out five debuts in total over the course of 90 minutes against the Grecians and saw a gritty performance rewarded with a result that ensured Liverpool remained in the hat for the fourth-round draw.

Lucas, who made the trip to Devon but was not called upon, was also pleased with what he saw from an XI largely made up of Academy hopefuls.

And he expects big things from the young players who have been enjoying regular time at Melwood of late.

“I think they did pretty well,” Lucas told LiverpoolFC.com. “It was difficult conditions, the pitch wasn’t so good, but they took their chances. It was a hard game, of course, and going behind twice, but to get the equalising goal is all credit to them to keep going and keep believing.

“We now have another chance to play the replay and hopefully get through.

“I think there are a few (standouts) to be honest. Probably the ones that have been playing more and playing really well.

“Joao (Teixeira), he had a very good game against Bournemouth and Exeter; Cameron (Brannagan), I think he’s a very good footballer, he’s not afraid to tackle and technically he’s very good; both full-backs, Brad (Smith) and Connor (Randall), they have been very good.

“All of them have been training here and getting their chances and the future is very bright for them.”