Steven Gerrard lavished praise upon his trio of goalscorers after Liverpool U18s kick-started 2018 with a 6-1 win over Blackburn Rovers.

The young Reds maintained their position at the top of the U18s Premier League as Rafael Camacho netted a hat-trick, Liam Millar a brace and Edvard Tagseth added a goal in a comprehensive victory on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the match, Gerrard had kind words for each player, but also highlighted areas where he is aiming to improve them.

Read on for a summary of his comments. 

Rafael Camacho

"It’s always nice to score goals and get a hat-trick. I thought Rafa’s performance was very good. I was more impressed with Rafa with what he does out of possession. I know he’s a talented kid, technically he is very good and he is always going to be a threat in and around the final third.

"For me Rafa needs to put other things around his game like chasing back and being a team player, and being trusted to be in the right areas of the pitch at the right time. If he gets both sides of the game right then he has got a bright future."

Edvard Tagseth

"We are trying to add numbers to his game. His all-round game is really good. The type of game he has, as an ex-player myself you would love to have him in your team. He is very honest, does both sides of the game really well. If Eddie can add goals and assists to his game then it’s going to round him off to be a top player."

Liam Millar

"I would hate to play against him. He’s got the turbo pace, he is an athlete, he doesn’t stop and he harries. He scored twice and hit the post and he could easily have got a hat-trick like Rafa. I’m very pleased with Liam. He is in a good place."