Liverpool U21s continued their mid-season break from competitive fixtures with a 2-0 friendly win over Salford City on Saturday – while trialling a new young defender.

Rob Page’s U21s do not have another competitive game until January 9, instead arranging a number of behind-closed-doors friendlies to retain fitness and sharpness.

On Saturday that saw a Salford City side make a visit to the AXA Training Centre, with a new trailist starting in defence.

It is not yet known who the trialist is but he started alongside Amara Nallo at centre-back – with regular partner Wellity Lucky not present in a potential hint at first-team involvement.

Armin Pecsi and Tommy Pilling were the only players to stay on for the full 90 minutes as Page used the opportunity to give his full squad a runout.

There were goals either side of half-time with Keyrol Figueroa opening the scoring by poking home in a goalmouth scramble and Pilling heading in to seal a 2-0 victory just before the hour mark.

17-year-old Haydn Murray-Holme steps up

One of those to come off the bench was 17-year-old midfielder Haydn Murray-Holme, who caught Page’s eye on his debut for the U19s in a 1-0 win over PSV Eindhoven three days previous.

Murray-Holme is a first-year scholar who was promoted to the U18s over the summer but has quickly impressed and looks set for a prominent role heading into 2026.

The youngster replaced Michael Laffey for the final 20 minutes against Salford City, while Oakley Cannonier also made his return from injury as one of nine players brought on.

Speaking to reporters includingThis Is Anfield‘s Sam Millne after the UEFA Youth League clash with PSV, Page described Murray-Holme’s performance as “outstanding.”

“Haydn was outstanding. It’s no coincidence that we took control of the midfield (after he came on) in the second half,” the U21s head coach said.

“He got on the ball, he was brave with his passing options. He wasn’t just safe, backwards and square, he wasn’t afraid to play between the lines.

“I was really pleased with him.”

Why Liverpool will consider signing new defender

Even as an elite-level club it is not uncommon for Liverpool to bring players in on trial to potentially earn a contract as part of the academy.

Their interest in another young defender comes with the January transfer window approaching and the likes of Rhys Williams and Calvin Ramsay – who both played on Saturday – expected to be available for moves.

This Is Anfieldunderstands Nallo could also depart on loan, though any decision over the 19-year-old’s future will depend on the shape of Arne Slot‘s first-team squad.