5 talking points from Liverpool 3-0 Southampton

Here are five talking points from Liverpool 3-0 Southampton. The Reds relied on their youngsters - and it paid off.

Klopp takes risk no.2

Jurgen Klopp backed his youngsters in the Carabao Cup final and it somehow paid off. He then had to do the same thing here, using even more as he called on Lewis Koumas for his Liverpool debut.

The team here, for an FA Cup Fith Round tie, was ridiculous. A midfield with Joe Gomez as a defensive midfielder and two teenagers without 10 games to their name. A front three of Koumas, Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott.

And so it's no surprise that Southampton started strong here and troubled Liverpool. The Reds ultimately found their feet, though, and how.

Gomez in midfield

Joe Gomez has played right-back, centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield this season. Not just for a few minutes here and there, either, but a full 90 minutes in each role.

It's remarkable from a player who a few years ago, wasn't considered reliable as an injury was always around the corner. He's now been a 'life-saver' this season, in the words of Klopp.

Liverpool have needed him all season and needed him again here. The performance wasn't perfect but by the end, Gomez proved Klopp's faith right.

Koumas is bright

Lewis Koumas is now the fourth-youngest debut scorer in Liverpool's history. He earned the goal here, showing constant drive whenever he got the ball and fearless running at defenders.

It's wonderful to see from an 18-year-old and a sign that Koumas is ready to take his chances in the Reds' first-team. How many more are on the way? That's difficult to predict but Koumas has proven Liverpool can rely on him.

The finish took a big deflection, of course, but that's not the point. Koumas made it happen and Liverpool needed that on the night.

Danns' name in lights

Two goals off the bench from an 18-year-old in his third professional game. Jayden Danns put his name in the headlines here and made sure English football knows his name.

His first goal was fantastic, with a brilliant run met with an even better finish. The second saw Danns react faster to a loose ball than seasoned professionals.

The teenager looks very special and someone who could actually play a part in the run in here. Two goals and a trophy in his first three games - doesn't really get better.

United are next

It's hard to know what the Quarter-final tie with Manchester United will be like. Will it be another game full of kids or will the Reds have the stars back by then?

It'll probably be a mix, in all honesty, as the returns will stagger over the next month. What is clear, though, is that Liverpool are ready to fight in every competition this season, even if everything goes against them.

Four trophies is nearly impossible but if any team can do it, it's surely this one.