Mabaya makes mark
If versatility is the key to unlocking first-team opportunity, then Isaac Mabaya is giving himself every chance of making a senior breakthrough at Liverpool.
The 17-year-old has grown accustomed to doing a job for the Academy side, appearing in central midfield, assuming the defensive midfield role and, as in the last round against Genk, at right-back. Indeed, his form for the under-18s saw him named in the matchday squad for the FA Cup third round win over Shrewsbury Town in January.
Against Juventus, though, Mabaya was encouraged to show his attacking leanings by being placed on the right side of a front three alongside Oakley Cannonier and Max Woltman.
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And Mabaya was by some distance Liverpool's biggest threat going forward, regularly running at Juventus left-back Riccardo Turricchia with desire and intent.
The pace and power of the Preston-born player meant he was often an effective out ball as Liverpool were put under increasing pressure by the home team. And while he wasn't always able to deliver a final pass, the potential meant Juventus were mindful not to leave the teenager too much room to exploit.
On this evidence, Mabaya remains one to watch for the future.
Koumetio takes steps
It wasn't the impact Billy Koumetio would have wanted on this tie.
Only minutes into the game, the centre-back accidentally caught team-mate Fabian Mrozek on the right foot as they both attempted to clear a throughball, ultimately leading to the Liverpool goalkeeper being substituted and leaving Italy wearing a protective boot.
Koumetio, though, didn't allow that to affect him. And his steady, composed performance demonstrated he has gained from the experience of being the only ever-present for the Reds in the competition this season. Now aged 19, next term could prove key in his development at Liverpool.
Fellow centre-back Jarell Quansah underlined his talent on the ball with one classy run out from the back, but ultimately the sheer weight of pressure and clever build-up play allowed Fabio Miretti and Ange Chibozo to strike inside three minutes midway through the second half and take the game away from the visitors.
Completing the defendce were full-backs Owen Beck and Conor Bradley, who both acquitted themselves well with the former in particular tenacious until his late substitution.
Ultimately, though, a strong Juventus side simply had too much for the Reds. The UEFA Youth League semi-finals remain a step too far for Liverpool.
Duo find it tough
Cannonier came into the game with a burgeoning reputation forged after scoring 29 goals this season including a typically predatory strike in the previous round against Genk.
This, though, was something of an eye-opener for the 17-year-old up against a trademark stingy Italian rearguard.
It didn't help that with Kaide Gordon, Harvey Blair, Mateusz Musialowski and Melkamu Fraudendorf all absent, Liverpool were missing some key attacking personnel. And with the service to Cannonier sporadic at best - and almost non-existent first half - it was tough, unrewarding work, his only real sight of goal a shot on the turn shortly after the interval that was blocked. He was replaced as Liverpool chased the game in the final 15 minutes.
In midfield, Tyler Morton also found it hard going, often hounded out by a pack of Juventus players who had clearly identified the 18-year-old as a danger given his experience in the Champions League earlier in the campaign.
Both Morton and Cannonier will have better days. And the duo will learn from this disappointment.
