Liverpool Academy coach Rob Page has spoken after the UEFA Youth League win against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday
Hadyn Murray-Holme of Liverpool and Amir Bouhamdi of PSV Eindhoven during the UEFA Youth League clash on November 26 2025
Hadyn Murray-Holme of Liverpool and Amir Bouhamdi of PSV Eindhoven during the UEFA Youth League clash on November 26 2025
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Europe offered little respite for Liverpool's senior team this week. But for the Academy it was a somewhat different story.
A dramatic last-minute winner from Trent Kone-Doherty was sufficient to earn the Reds under-19s a 1-0 UEFA Youth League victory over PSV Eindhoven at Kirkby on Wednesday afternoon and secure qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare.
With 10 points from five games, Liverpool are already guaranteed a top 22 finish in the 36-team league and progress to the last 32, where the qualifiers from the table are joined by 10 clubs who have won through the Domestic Champions path.
Rob Page's side were indebted to a number of fine individual performances, not least from 18-year-old Carter Pinnignton, who started in defensive midfield before switching to a more accustomed centre-back role shortly after half-time following an injury to Prince Cisse.
“I’ve been impressed with his development,” said Page. “In pre-season he was a little bit frustrated with the lack of minutes at centre-back as we had Rhys Williams in the squad, Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky, but when he was asked to play in midfield as a six he gave the best he could.
“His attitude is second to none. When you have that attitude and a willingness to work, then you have a chance.
“He’s a great lad to work with every day, always has a smile on his face and wants to get better. And that’s the foundation you need to be a top player. I’m looking forward to working with him in the future.
“I worked with (former Chelsea player and current Wales international) Ethan Amapadu who is now at Leeds, and I used to play him centre-back or in midfield and Carter is very similar to Ethan. If you have another string to your bow and you can play in multiple positions, it adds value. I know I can trust him as a six.”
Cisse's departure gave a first UEFA Youth League appearance for 17-year-old midfielder Haydn Murray-Holme, who has been impressing since stepping up to the U18s this season.
“Haydn was outstanding," said Page. "It’s no coincidence that we took control of the midfield in the second half when he was on.
“He got the ball, he was brave with his passing options, he wasn’t just safe going backwards and square, he wasn’t afraid to play through the lines and I was really pleased with him."
Page also revealed encouraging fitness updates for two long-term injury victims, Luke Chambers and Will Wright.
Left-back Chambers has been troubled by a persistent back injury that prompted him to return to Liverpool in March from a season-long loan spell at Wigan Athletic, while teenager striker Wright, a summer signing from Salford City, has been out with knee ligament damage suffered in the goalless UEFA Youth League opener at home to Atletico Madrid in September.
And Page said: “Luke Chambers and Will Wright are both back on the grass so that’s positive news for them. Chambo has been with us the last couple of weeks, he’s a real exciting player.
“Will is having more sessions, getting ready for game time. We are getting more and more bodies back on the pitch.
“We are trying to organise a few friendlies and that will give players an opportunity to get minutes ahead of January.”