Liverpool player ratings as U21s thumped by senior pros in EFL Trophy game

Liverpool's U21s had a tough night as the team was defeated in its EFL Trophy group opener at Crewe Alexandra.

Dominic Corness managed to level the scores with an early penalty, but the young Reds side were ultimately beaten 5-1. Chris Long scored twice for Crewe, while Finley Roberts, Ryan Cooney, and Adrien Thibaut also got on the scoresheet.

This result adds to Liverpool's challenging history in the competition , having now lost 16 out of 17 games since they first entered during the 2019/20 season. Here's how the ECHO rated the Liverpool players hoping to get a first-team shot under Arne Slot .

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Harvey Davies: Despite the defeat, Davies couldn't be faulted for any of the Crewe goals on his return to the club where he spent last season on loan. He made some solid saves when he could and notably saved from Long in the first half (7 out of 10).

Terence Miles: Miles had a busy night defensively at right-back, with Crewe noticeably targeting his far post with a series of dead-ball deliveries in the first half (6).

Carter Pinnington: Pinnington had a tough job dealing with the constant aerial threat of the home side, but he didn't shy away from his task (6).

Amara Nallo: Nallo had a difficult first half, being responsible for Crewe's second goal and playing a part in the concession of the third. He improved slightly after the break before being substituted (5).

James Norris: Norris' experience on loan at this level was evident with a composed performance. He tried to push Liverpool forward in the second half (6).

Dominic Corness: Corness scored one penalty but missed another in the second half. He was left with a lot to do in trying to pick up a succession of second balls from direct Crewe attacks (6).

Tommy Pilling: He was busy with the ball and took full advantage of the space that opened up behind Crewe's defence. His good pass contributed to the second penalty. A lively performance (7).

Tom Hill: He had some decent touches in the first half and went wide with one shot after a strong run, but seemed to be unfairly judged to have conceded a penalty (6).

Michael Laffey: He won a penalty when Connolly fouled him after intercepting a misguided backpass, and he pressed well out of position on the right wing (7).

Keyrol Figueroa: As the central striker, he had a shot saved in the opening moments but was peripheral after that and struggled to hold up play, which led to Crewe's fifth goal. It was a big learning curve for him. He was substituted (5).

Kyle Kelly: Playing on the left, he created an early chance for Figueroa and won a penalty in the second half, but lacked decisiveness when dealing with the ball for Crewe's third goal (6).

Trent Kone-Doherty (substituted for Figueroa at 75 minutes): He didn't have much opportunity to show his speed (6).

Lee Jonas (substituted for Nallo at 75 minutes): He got more welcome minutes as he builds match fitness after injury (6).