Liverpool appoint new captain as exciting partnership comes together

Liverpool Under-19s began their UEFA Youth League campaign with a goalless draw against AC Milan at Puma House of Football on Tuesday afternoon. It was a hard-fought match in Italy, where the Reds had to endure a strong second-half push from the hosts, yet they defended solidly to earn a valuable point in their first European outing since March 2023.

The first half lacked significant chances, with AC Milan striker Francesca Camarda receiving a yellow card for diving after maneuvering around Liverpool goalkeeper Kornel Misciur. Camarda was fortunate to remain on the pitch after colliding with Misciur later while trying to block a clearance inside the six-yard box.

In the second half, Camarda struck the post, while Misciur made a crucial close-range save shortly after Dariusz Stalmach headed wide from a threatening cross.

New signing Rio Ngumoha entered the game in the second half, but the visitors couldn’t secure a late winner on the counter-attack as they were confined to their own half, ultimately settling for a draw.

Manager Barry Lewtas remarked, “It was a tough game, and we struggled to maintain attacks, but overall, it’s the first match of the competition, and we can be proud of how we defended.”

Lewtas highlighted Misciur’s key saves and emphasized the importance of the result: “A 0-0 away in a competition like this is always a good result and something to build on.”

He also noted the value of the six-game format in the revamped Champions League and the benefit of playing in diverse environments.

Ngumoha, who made his Under-18s debut on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers, saw limited action due to Liverpool’s defensive focus. Despite this, he showcased moments of skill, including impressive step-overs during a rare counter-attack.

Liverpool’s recent encounter with a top European team had been a 4-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven shortly before the transfer deadline. This time, the team appeared more organized, with defenders Wellity Lucky and Amara Nallo excelling at the back.

Nallo, who joined from West Ham last year, has improved significantly after training with seasoned players, while Lucky matched his performance. Their solid partnership could echo the success of Liverpool’s past defensive duo.

Lewtas commented on the importance of a clean sheet, acknowledging past mistakes but praising the defenders for their resolute performance. “They blocked, tackled, and headed everything away, showing improvement as a cohesive unit compared to our match against PSV.”

Trey Nyoni, who has made significant progress at Liverpool, captained the team in this match, demonstrating his leadership. He began well, showcasing his skills and composure under pressure, although he struggled as the game wore on.

Despite some lapses, Nyoni continued to develop and will likely gain further attention in the upcoming Carabao Cup match against West Ham United.