There wasn't much on the line as Liverpool faced Spurs at Anfield this weekend. Virgil van Dijk got his wish when he asked for an improved performance to build momentum ahead of next season but it was Tottenham who needed the points more than the Reds, even though they didn't end up with them.

Earlier on in the afternoon, though, there was a game involving Liverpool that was much more important to those involved in it. As part of a format that has only been introduced this season at U21 level, the Reds are taking part in a play-off tournament at the end of a Premier League 2 campaign. It's more complicated than a straight league system, but by coming from 2-0 down to beat Crystal Palace, Liverpool kept its chances of glory alive and progressed to the next round.

Central to the victory in Kirkby was a man who Arne Slot should be eyeing up for more senior action next season: Kaide Gordon. Not 20 until October, the former Derby County winger was excellent.

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He scored twice — including a brilliant finish into the corner from outside the penalty area with his left foot — and got the assist for Trey Nyoni's strike. Gordon captained the team and this was his standout performance after returning from a long-term injury.

After 19 months sidelined with a pelvic issue, Gordon now has 12 consecutive full 90 minutes under his belt at U21 level. He has made sporadic appearances at senior level too this season, but has been working his way to full fitness lower down the age groups.

Ahead of the summer, though, there has to be a big chance for Gordon to impress. Of all of the young talents that Liverpool has, he is right up there when it comes to his ceiling. Gordon, Ben Doak, Jayden Danns and Bobby Clark will all be hoping to take the next step soon to work their way into the plans of Slot.

Slot likes to have a lot of wide forwards available for him to use — good news for Gordon and Doak, in particular — and he is no stranger, like Jürgen Klopp, to giving young players chances. The signs all point to the policy of youth players being brought through continuing.

And assuming that is the case, as it seems safe to do so, Gordon should be near the top of the list when it comes to the best of the U21 group taking the next step. Sunday's performance against Crystal Palace underlined why.

There is an argument, of course, that Gordon might be best served going out on loan, as Harvey Elliott did with his year at Blackburn Rovers. But if he can stay at Liverpool and continue his development there, that is also a viable option.

Next season, the Champions League will be expanded and there will be more games than ever. Liverpool's injury record this season would suggest that having a deep squad would be sensible — and that there will be chances for those who are available. Gordon, now back and fully over the issues that kept him out for so long, should be spotting an opportunity.