While Liverpool's first-team players observed the Premier League winter break, along with manager Jurgen Klopp, Neil Critchley's side – the youngest line up fielded by the club in their history – did them proud at Anfield.
With an average age of 19 years and 102 days, three debutants, 36 senior appearances between them and squad numbers ranging from 46 to 93 this was a very inexperienced team at any level never mind a somewhat controversial cup tie in front of almost 53,000.
But they performed admirably and got the victory they deserved – with a helping hand from the plucky visitors.
After VAR had ruled out a Shrewsbury goal for offside, Neco Williams’ long ball forward was met by the head of Shrews defender Ro-Shaun Williams, who inadvertently headed the ball back over his own goalkeeper from the edge of his own penalty area and into his own net.
That proved to be enough to win it and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge await in the last 16 for Liverpool, when Klopp and some of his first-team stars will be back.
"The way that they played was almost identical to the way the 1st team play!"
"The same pressure, the way they move ball…" ✅
"Unlucky for Shrewsbury, but Liverpool were outstanding!"