DAVID MOYES believes Everton’s youngsters have been shown the benchmark they must attain after his side crashed to demoralising Europa League defeat.

The Goodison outfit slumped to their heaviest- ever loss in European competition when they were thrashed 5-0 by Benfica in the Estadio da Luz last night.

Having restricted the free-scoring Portuguese to a Javier Saviola goal before the break, a makeshift Everton defence capitulated in the second half.

Three goals in five minutes – two from Oscar Cardozo and one from Luisao – and a late second by Saviola sent Benfica to the top of Group I.

Missing 11 first-team players, Moyes was forced to hand 21-year-old Republic of Ireland under- 21 international Seamus Coleman a debut at left-back, with teenagers Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell also in the starting line-up.

And while refusing to criticise his players, the Goodison manager has implored his youngsters to learn from the experience.

"The scoreline wasn’t a fair reflection of the first half, but in the second half it was," said Moyes.

"Benfica were very good. They capitalised on several mistakes me make in the second half and took their opportunities very well.

"Our players gave everything they could. It wasn’t for the lack of enthusiasm or drive. They gave what they could but came up against one or two serious players. It will give them an idea of the level they are going to have to get at to play at the top."

Everton were not helped by a back-line that saw only centre-back Sylvain Distin playing in his preferred position. And Moyes said: "It wasn’t a second string defence. It was only one player playing in their normal position. That was the best we had out tonight. They did as well as they could. I have only got praise for the players who played tonight.

"I wasn’t surprised by the Benfica team. They showed their attacking qualities in the second half especially. We made mistakes and they were very clinical, they capitalised on them."