Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the likes of Jon Flanagan, Lucas Leiva and Brad Smith following the Reds' 2-1 defeat against West Ham United in the 4th Round replay of the FA Cup.
Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup after suffering a last-gasp defeat at the hands of West Ham at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday night but despite the loss, the Reds put in an admirable performance considering their youthful starting lineup.
Klopp was proud of his side's display on the night and praised the likes of returning full-back Flanagan, experienced midfielder Leiva, young left-back Smith and a host of less experienced players for their effort during the clash.
The 48-year-old said: "We don't have to talk about morale, we showed morale and everything is OK with these boys. If you go through the squad tonight, it's a great game.
"Flanno was out for 18 months and played 120 minutes tonight – great. Tiago Ilori was at Aston Villa and not in the squad, not really a second-team player, and played really well tonight.
"Next to him, Lucas Leiva was not in his position and played really well. Brad Smith, four or five weeks ago he wasn't at the club. The double-six [Pedro Chirivella and Kevin Stewart] are very young and were really good.
"(Jordon) Ibe is not in the best moment of the season but was really fighting in the game, Christian (Benteke) the same, fighting in the game. Phil (Coutinho), second time injured – really fighting, a great goal and good play. Everything was good with Joao Teixeira. That's really good.
"But the only reason we were here was to go into the next round and so we are disappointed. That's how it is."
Source: tribalfootball.com