Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised the club's academy players. The coach described the youth as the main positive of the pre-season preparations.
The Reds are successfully conducting their tour in the USA. The team defeated Sunderland (4:2) and Wrexham (1:0).
The Spanish coach admitted that the young players exceeded all his expectations.
'Probably the performance of the young players. After all, we had most of the players from the under-21 team, from the academy, and they really showed up well against Premier League opponents,' said Iraola.
The manager praised the youngsters for their fighting spirit and tactical flexibility.
'Winning duels, helping us also with the collective idea. I think that was probably the best, I won’t say a surprise, but at least a confirmation,' the coach added.
Iraola noted that some talents will definitely remain in the first team.
'Some of them will return to the under-21 team, some will go on loan, and some will stay with us because I think we will need them throughout the season,' the Spaniard emphasised.
'They have shown me that they have the level, they can give us quality minutes, a good level in training, and I am sure that some of them will stay with us,' concluded Iraola.
Liverpool will finish their tour in the USA with a match against Leeds United.
