It may not seem like much solace for Liverpool's hurting hopefuls right now.
But the experience acquired during the under-23 side's difficult run of form could serve them well in the long run after another chastening afternoon in Premier League 2.
The heavy 6-3 defeat at home to Manchester United on Saturday means the young Reds have now gone six games without a win while losing four times, shipping 20 goals in that time.
Individual mistakes cost Liverpool once more, Billy Koumetio caught out for the opener and Jake Cain for the fifth as the Reds, having fought back to level at half-time having been 2-0 down, slumped in the second half.
"It's hard, and you have to remember these boys are developing," says U23s coach Barry Lewtas. "I haven't been on a run like this since I've become a coach and these players haven't either.
"But that's part of it - it's part of the learning experience. They're having a little bit of a tough run at the moment despite some good performances, although United wasn't one of them.
"We have to navigate our way out and Billy will be the same. I've told the boys there are no deliberate mistakes, what happened was well-intentioned.
"As much as we made mistakes when we were building (from the back), we also made mistakes by not finishing some good chances. There were mistakes all over."
Lewtas adds: "We showed a bit of personality at 2-0 down to get it back to 2-2, but I'd question periods in the second half especially when they got their sixth. I think some of the mistakes got to the lads.
"We didn't play the windy conditions well enough. But it wasn't because of the weather that we lost.
"We tried to play the ball out of the back too much and invited them on to press us. We were naive in those moments."
The game was only the second for the U23s in five weeks, with Lewtas's side once more without a competitive game next weekend as the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact the schedule.
And he admits Liverpool, while in a similar position to their rivals, are being particularly hampered by the lack of action.
"For us as a team, we like rhythm," says Lewtas.
"Last year we'd have had league games, Premier League Cup games, Premier League International Cup games and UEFA Youth League games, but now we're playing Saturday to Saturday and sometimes with a week off.
"That stop-start nature isn't realistic for what the players are being prepared for in the senior game, but it's the situation for everyone at the moment.
"The next opportunity is normally only around the corner after a defeat, but it is difficult at the moment."
One positive was the performance of Ben Woodburn, who is back at the Academy after his loan spell at League One side Blackpool ended.
"Ben has had a bit of a stop-start season himself, he's one who needs to find rhythm," adds Lewtas.
"He will take a little bit of time to get back to it, but he's a good boy who wants to do well. We will see where it goes for him."
