The academy stars shining at Reds, including 8 who were part of EFL Cup glory

Pictures of Liverpool's stars walking up the famous Wembley steps after the Carabao Cup final resemble more of a queue of kids waiting for their school lunch rather than a collection of new heroes about to collect a medal after etching their name into folklore.

Five of the XI that finished the win over Chelsea were aged 21 or under, while only match-winner Virgil van Dijk would be guaranteed a place in Liverpool's best team if all Jurgen Klopp had the rarely-seen luxury of a fully-fit squad.

So, let's get to know the members of the Kindergarten Kop, from those who featured at the national stadium to the next on the production line set to play in Wednesday's FA Cup clash with Southampton…

Elliott is the most established of Liverpool's young prospects, having been a part of the first team squad for a number of years. Despite being born in Chertsey, Surrey, Elliott grew up a Liverpool fan, but he was picked up by QPR's academy initially after being knocked back by Chelsea due to concerns over his size.

He went on to join Fulham, making his senior debut as a 15-year-old in 2018, and did enough to convince Liverpool that he was one for the future. The Reds signed him for an undisclosed fee in 2019 just three months after his 16th birthday, and he has since made over 100 appearances for the club.

Elliott suffered an ankle dislocation-fracture in 2021 during a league clash with Leeds, and has had to remain patient at Anfield, largely due to Liverpool having Mohamed Salah playing on the right wing.

But he has adapted his game to play in a deeper role in midfield, and has flourished from the bench regularly this season. He ran himself to a standstill on Sunday, and at only 20, looks set to play a major role for Liverpool for years to