Liverpool U19s remained unbeaten in their European exploits but were forced to settle for a point in the UEFA Youth League as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Villarreal at the Kirkby Academy.

The young Reds created the better opportunities across the contest but were unable to find a breakthrough, with goalkeeper Pablo Polo producing several important saves to preserve a point for the visitors and do manager Pepe Reina proud as the former Red returned to Merseyside in charge of the young La Liga side.

Liverpool started brightly, with captain Will Wright firing over from the edge of the area following a promising attacking move. Ollie O’Connor also threatened early on, while Mor Talla Ndiaye also tested Polo with a powerful header.

Villarreal gradually grew into the game and began to pose questions of their own. Bailey Hall was called into action to deny Raul Garcia’s low effort from distance before producing another save to keep out a snapshot from Carrasco Gonzalez.

Liverpool returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent, and Wright once again went close, but could not turn O’Connor’s cross towards goal.

Rio Ngumoha was UNSTOPPABLE against Villarreal! 

Second-half substitute AJ Yeguo provided an attacking spark down the left flank, twice delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area as the Reds looked to break the deadlock.

Josh Sonni-Lambie forced a strong save from Polo before narrowly missing the target with a well-timed volley from an Alvin Ayman cross.

Villarreal threatened in response through Moussa Traore, whose half-volley from inside the box failed to find the target, but Liverpool continued to look the more likely side to score.

Wright saw an effort blocked by the visiting defence before Finn Inglethorpe prodded wide under pressure. The Liverpool captain then rose highest from a short-corner routine but headed over from close range.

The Reds continued to push for a winner in the closing stages, with substitute Erik Farkas seeing a promising opportunity blocked by Polo’s legs after a scramble inside the area.

There was still time for one final Liverpool chance deep into added time, as Yeguo cut the ball back towards the penalty spot. Farkas struck goalwards, but Polo was equal to the effort once again.

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Speaking after the match, manager Rob Page was frustrated but also proud of the group’s recent efforts…

On the performance: “Second half, it was complete domination by us, and we’re so disappointed that we haven’t won the game. We created 44 entries into the box in the final third. I just said to the boys, “We created enough chances to win three games of football, let alone one.” At this level, they are still progressing, and it is about creating that ruthless mentality that when you get your action, you finish it. Our decision-making at times needs to improve. There are lots of positives, but there is frustration that we haven’t won the game. There were some great balls into the box, and it’s just some final details at the end. One just needed a little toe on it, and it would have gone in, so it’s a bit of luck as well – if it bounces right for us. But the minute we’re not creating chances, I’ll be worried. Thirty-plus shots, I think it was – a crazy number not to score. Our xG must have been through the roof.”

On a positive unbeaten week: “It’s all down to the lads and the staff. They are great lads to work with. They listen, and they are as honest as the day is long. That is all you can ask for, and when they perform as they did in the second half, you are stood on the side proud of what they are doing.”

On having multiple central strikers: “It’s a nice problem to have. I like two centre forwards up top. We started today in a diamond because we had Finn (Inglethorpe) and Will (Wright) as two centre forwards. With the U21s as well, Jay (Spearing) and I have had a conversation about it. I think we’re a better team when we play two up top – we are more aggressive with the press, and we get pressure higher up the pitch. The way the first team play, the way the gaffer plays, we want to try to mirror that as much as we can. We talk about the press being aggressive, and I think in transition, we have more options – we have talented players behind the front two and then Will in the form he is in; it is just to have quality in the top line to feed them and know that we are going to get chances.”

On Jayden Danns: “His fitness is good. It was always part of the plan that some games he will play and others he won’t. Sometimes he will play 45. It depends on what his training load has been throughout the week. If he has done enough work during the week, it might just be that he is getting game time. It’s not about 90 minutes – it’s about game time to get his sharpness so that he is ready when he is called on. He’s ready to go. It’s just like with any of these top athletes; you have to manage the load throughout the week and be sensible about it.”