Liverpool fell to defeat in their final Champions League group game at PSV Eindhoven but it wasn't all bad news for Arne Slot. The Reds boss was able to rest the majority of his first choice players for the trip to the Netherlands and Liverpool even ended the night in top spot after Barcelona were unable to capitalise on their defeat.

But what's more, Slot was able to take plenty of positives from the young side that went toe-to-toe with the Dutch champions before ultimately falling to a 3-2 defeat.

But which youngster made the biggest impression on our LFC jurors? They have their say:

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James Noble (Worcestershire, @james_noble98) - James McConnell could provide short and long-term options

Even prior to Arne Slot’s post-match praise, James McConnell’s classy performance in Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat at PSV Eindhoven had received plenty of plaudits. Inevitably, the head coach’s words added to the focus on the 20-year-old midfielder.

The approach in midweek, with a valuable mix of rests, rhythm, minutes and experience dished out across the squad, has the potential to have considerable short and long-term upsides. McConnell represented an example who could fall into both categories. The former Sunderland youth player knitted moves together, read the game and positioned himself intelligently. It’s also evident that he can deliver a wicked cross.

As ever with developing talents, it’s important that discussion around them is measured. There are so many variables early in careers, with progress rarely linear and players taking various routes to first-team football. The likes of Jarell Quansah, Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns will hopefully have all gained plenty from Wednesday. Amara Nallo’s red card, meanwhile, could prove a beneficial, if harsh, lesson.

With nine of Saturday’s starters not travelling to the Netherlands, the squad can now be additionally primed for an enticing and intense week, as Saturday’s Premier League trip to in-form Bournemouth and Thursday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham at Anfield kick-off a busy February.

Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5) - Danns shows qualities of Jota and Nunez

While Liverpool suffered their first European defeat in this year’s Champions League campaign on Wednesday evening, there will not be many fans who feel dethroned or defeated by the result, not least because we fielded a much-weakened side.

The game did give us a sneak peek into the future; some of the young players on show will want in the next few seasons to barge their way into the starting line-up. Jayden Danns is a promising talent: he has demonstrated a Jota-like instinct in front of goal in previous games, and he also has shades of Darwin Nunez’s raw and relentless play.

Despite the defeat on Wednesday evening, we have finished this phase of the competition at the top, and that is richly deserved given our blistering start to the competition. Regardless of what happens next in the competition, our performance in the early stages against Europe’s best provides a good early forecast as how Slot’s Liverpool will fare in Europe in years to come.

It would be nice to stand and stare at our achievements this year, but we need to fine-tune our attention once again because of what is to come. We have a couple of difficult fixtures coming up in the Premier League, including trips to Everton and Man City. After a mini stumble, we need to maintain our composure. As we approach the final season sprint, all eyes will be on Liverpool.

Rhys Buchanan (Aigburth, @Rhys_Buchanan) - Conor Bradley crucial on the journey

It was heartening to see so many youngsters in the side for a proper European tie against PSV earlier this week. Obviously, the kids have been crucial in picking up silverware under Klopp and it’s encouraging that is Slot carrying on that philosophy as he offered a much-needed rest for our senior players.

A player lifted by his chances in Europe so far this season, Conor Bradley continues to perform with the air and confidence of a first team player. It was still a tricky night for him in something of a make-shift side and without the immediate guidance of world-beating talent, but I think he’s going to continue to be crucial on our journey to silverware come the end of the season.