'Nobody is Luke Littler' – Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp makes comparison to Man Utd-supporting darts sensation as German addresses pressure being placed on Reds' young guns

Jurgen Klopp has compared his Liverpool youngsters to teenage darts sensation Luke Littler – while trying to ease the pressure on his young charges.

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Liverpool youngsters thrive in first-teamKlopp compares them to darts' LittlerManager tries to protect young charges(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

On Sunday, Liverpool's academy players drew praise for how they inspired the Reds to a Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea at Wembley, before a youthful Reds side backed that up with a 3-0 win over Southampton in the FA Cup on Wednesday. That led manager Klopp to liken them to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Littler – who burst onto the scene late last year. However, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is keen to not overhype the youngsters.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JURGEN KLOPP SAID

The German told reporters: "I know that they are not ready for it. Nobody is Luke Littler. What could disturb a career for a young prospect is always one part. It was wonderful them on that night [against Southampton], but now it's about dealing with the challenges coming up."

He added: “It is a little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight. Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner.”

GOAL AR / GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

At a time where Liverpool have been beset by injuries to key players, the emergence of this young crop of talent is a welcome distraction for Klopp. They will need all the help they can get if they want to achieve an historic quadruple in the German's last season in charge – with the Europa League, Premier League, and FA Cup still to play for.

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WHAT NEXT?

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to lowly Nottingham Forest. They currently hold a one point advantage over defending champions Manchester City, whereas Arsenal are two points back in third.