Liverpool remarkably have player still at the club who played in last match with Sparta Prague back in 2011

Liverpool still have a player at the club who featured the last time they played Sparta Prague back in 2011.

After finishing top of their group in the Europa League, Liverpool found out on Friday morning that they would be up against Sparta Prague in the round of 16.

The Cezch champions secured their place in the last 16 after beating Turkish side Galatasaray 4-1 in the second leg of their playoff tie on Thursday night.

Back in 2011, Liverpool played against the same team in the same competition, with Dutchman Dirk Kuyt scoring the winner to send Kenny Dalglish’s side into the next round.

Looking back at the squad from 2011, Liverpool had the likes of Kuyt, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Lucas Leiva and Pepe Reina in their ranks.

Almost 13 years on from that match, Liverpool remarkably still have one player at the club who featured in their last outing against Sparta Prague.

The player in question is midfielder Jay Spearing, back in 2011, he came on in the 65th minute for Christian Poulsen.

Despite originally leaving Liverpool back in 2017, Spearing returned to the club in 2022.

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The 35-year-old was given a coaching role in the Under-18s and also signed up as an over-aged player for the Under-23s.

Speaking last year about playing for Liverpool’s youth team, Spearing said: “Any time I can get out on the pitch, get my boots back on and help the boys out, it’s an absolute pleasure and it’s good fun.

“I enjoy it and I enjoy helping the boys and guiding them in any way that Alex [Inglethorpe, academy director], Barry or Bridgey want me to do.”

He added: “It’s fun and that’s part of my role as well to still play – whether that be on the training field or playing for the U21s.

“It’s been a really enjoyable time so far.”