"That's my experience" - Pep Lijnders on the young and senior players at Anfield

Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders has given his verdict on the young and senior players at the club.

The Dutchman believes that both sets of footballers have a positive influence on one another.

Lijnders said that the youngsters are guided by the senior professionals.

The 39-year-old further added that the senior players lift their standards due to the responsibility they have towards the next generation coming through.

As quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter, he told the Liverpool Echo the following: “There is nothing as strong as talent that gets opportunities in combination with experience. For example, Harvey Elliott and James Milner together, because from both perspectives they will not let each other down.

“That's my experience: the younger one feels stronger and guided by the older players and the older ones feels more responsibility to organise, which raises the standards.

"I love to guide these processes. 'Talents need models, not criticism', is one of my favourite sayings. The young ones always surprise you and they took our game plan over the last year further than we could have ever imagined.

“For example, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) gave the right full-back position a new meaning but with (Jordan) Hendo as his mentor.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

It is always interesting listening to Lijnders talk about football. One can tell that the Dutchman is a thinker of the game.

Lijnders has had great success as Jurgen Klopp's assistant. He has helped the club win the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield.

Lijnders is expected to remain at Anfield until 2026. Therefore, hopefully he can add to the aforementioned achievements over the next few years.

But, only time will tell if that is to be the case.