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Explained: Liverpool's decision to enter the EFL Trophy for the first time

It was announced last month that the club would enter an U21 side in the competition for the very first time.

The Reds will be among the 16 Category One Academy teams in the 2019-20 tournament, alongside 48 clubs from League One and League Two.

"The obvious [benefit] is playing against men, which we don't get too many times at U23 level," Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Playing against senior players, men, experienced players is different to playing in some of the games we play.

"Playing in stadiums, in front of supporters brings out that little bit of added pressure.