Liverpool's youngest-ever starting XI suffered a 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday night.And journalist James Pearce has claimed that it "should never have come to that".Liverpool's first team are currently in Qatar at the Club World Cup, meaning that the Reds were forced to name a youthful side against Villa.Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Five debutants were included in a starting XI which had an average age of just over 19 years and six months.

Jonathan Kodjia scored twice for Dean Smith's side, whilst an own goal and efforts from Conor Hourihane and Wesley made it a difficult evening for the Merseyside club.

Pearce, who now works for The Athletic, wrote that it was a "great experience for the youngsters", who were supported throughout the evening by the club's fans.

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However, the well-respected journalist claimed that it was "ridiculous" that the scenario presented itself in the first place.

Pearce's message on what was a bizarre occasion can be seen below:

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly at the head of the queue for a teenage defender currently playing in the Football League.