The heroic exploits of Leeds United in this season’s edition of the EFL Cup were unfortunately brought to a halt on Tuesday night, with Premier League side Liverpool recording a slightly fortuitous 2-0 win over Garry Monk’s embattled charges at Anfield by virtue of goals from Belgian international Divock Origi and rising star Ben Woodburn; the latter having already proven himself to be a prolific scorer at youth level for the Reds.

On paper, the result appears to be a routine victory for the hosts. In reality, the scoreline serves only to flatter Jurgen Klopp’s side. The game was hotly contested, and in spite of being labelled as firm underdogs prior to kick-off, the Leeds United players were an absolute credit to the club; flying into tackles, forging clear goal-scoring opportunities of their own, and maintaining a disciplined, and resolute defensive structure that for 76 minutes kept a usually potent Liverpool attack at arm’s length.

Following the full-time whistle, much praise, and effusive praise it was, was lavished upon the youngsters Trent Alexander-Arnold (who crossed for Origi’s opening goal) and of course the aforementioned Woodburn — the latter breaking Michael Owen’s record to become the youngest goal-scorer in Liverpool’s history with a goal in the dying embers of the match — quite disgracefully, there was not merely a single word of commiseration or praise spoken of Ronaldo Vieira (who did not look at all out of sorts despite competing against seasoned internationals such as Emre Can), Kalvin Phillips (who performed steadily after replacing Eunan O’Kane in the first-half), or even Kemar Roofe, who, if not for the right-hand post, would have given United the lead just moments after the half-time interval with what was a sumptuous curling effort from just outside the penalty area.

A fact that was conveniently glossed over by our dear comrades at Sky Sports, was the fact that Leeds’ exploits in this season’s edition of the competition are symptomatic of a luminous future. In each and every match Garry Monk’s side contested, they demonstrated an unflappable, steely resolve, while wowing their supporters with an exuberant, dynamic style of play. It is a fitting testament to the ability and guile of these players that, despite being predominantly a youthful team, they can demonstrate such maturity on the field of play.

Away to Fleetwood Town in the first round, United displayed strong character in equalising at the last in normal time through Marcus Antonsson before eventually emerging victorious on penalties. In round two, a plethora of adjustments were made to the starting line-up but the structured organisation was still present throughout in the 1-0 win at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road, a game in which fresh-faced left-back Tyler Denton scored his inaugural professional goal on his first professional appearance. In round three, it was a similar outcome at home to Blackburn Rovers, with a hard-fought battle yielding another 1-0 win courtesy of a Chris Wood goal from close proximity. In the fourth round, events were well documented; twice Leeds roared back from a goal down, with goals from Antonsson and Wood forcing another penalty shootout that the Whites won 3-2. Ronaldo Vieira converted the decisive spot-kick with aplomb and sheer composure beyond his years.

All of that industrious endeavour took the side all the way to Anfield in the quarter-finals, and they were in no way humbled or disgraced on Tuesday night. A famous saying decrees that you learn more in defeat than in victory, and there is no truer example in the case of Leeds United. We have learnt that our team are capable of delivering performances that border on the stuff of miracles. We have learnt that each and every member of the squad channels the spirit of our club whenever they step out onto the field of play. And we have learnt, most crucially of all that we can look ahead to a bright and prosperous footballing future, with an energetic side mentored by the most articulate coaching team we have had in years.

The refusal of the pundits and the experts to confer us even an ounce of praise is a blessing in disguise — either they are empty-headed and vacuous, ignorant of our achievements under Garry Monk to date, or their silence is fearful, that we may genuinely be on the right path again after spending many a year confined to mid-table wilderness.

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