2014/15: Young Guns, Reserves and Academy
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Suso was a star in the reserves. He played for a La Liga team Almeria against the likes of Barca, Real, A. Madrid etc. Suso did well for Almeria, several assists and a few goals as well.
Teixeira was also a stand out performer for the reserves. Like Suso, it was easy to see that he didn't belong at that level.
Now at Brighton he's got 2 goals in 3 starts. Although it can't be compared to Suso who played against better opposition.
I've only seen Alberto play once for the reserves and he got a hat-trick. I don't think he made many more appearances.
I haven't followed his progress in Spain but he's played twice and scored once, a penalty rebound after the keeper saved the first attempt.
I honestly don't see any of them playing for us next season for different reasons. Also, there's a lot of competition as it is.
Flipping heck, I'm surely not the only one who didn't think that was initially made clear. Oh well, in that case, Sinclair and, of course, Yesil.
Here is a video of him in action for those who want to see what type of player he is youtu.be/F-xCC4IZsJUThe Barbadian Prince @keswickbro 22m
#LFC signed 17yr old winger Madger Gomes from Villarreal. pic.twitter.com/X8c8ZtWK75
Goals from our youngsters' games in the Aegon Future Cup a few months back:
Wilson reminds me of Fowler / McManaman in his demeanor. Full of confidence, and looks a bit cheeky / cocky, in a good way (for a LFC supporter anyway). I hadn't noticed this before, but Ojo seems to have put on some upper body mass and looks like a much tougher unit now.
Wilson reminds me of Fowler / McManaman in his demeanor. Full of confidence, and looks a bit cheeky / cocky, in a good way (for a LFC supporter anyway). I hadn't noticed this before, but Ojo seems to have put on some upper body mass and looks like a much tougher unit now.
Wilson to me looks more like a modified version of Bale, more intelligent and many more things just than pure pace
The player Wilson reminded me of when I first saw him was Hazard, and his best moments do make him look incredibly gifted. But so often when I've seen him he just goes missing and has almost no impact for long stretches, that when he does decide to do something amazing my main reaction is bafflement at why he does them so rarely.
He needs to be more aggressive perhaps.
He needs to be more aggressive perhaps.
Hmm I wasn't aware of this tournament. Another good reason to be in the CL - some of our U21s / promising U18s will get a chance to pit themselves against peers in the youth programs at the other European clubs.
Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/170401-reds-confirm-opening-uyl-tie
Reds confirm opening UYL tie
8th Sep 2014 - Latest News
Liverpool's Academy youngsters will take on Ludogorets Razgrad in their opening UEFA Youth League fixture on Tuesday, September 16, at Langtree Park, St Helens.
The game will kick-off at 2pm BST and is ahead of the evening fixture when the two first teams meet at Anfield.
The format of the UEFA Youth League works in a similar way to the Champions League, with Liverpool facing the same teams as the first team - meaning they'll also take on Real Madrid and FC Basel - all on a home and away basis in the group stage.
More fixtures will be announced soon on Liverpoolfc.com.
The climax to the 2014-15 UEFA Youth League season takes place at the Colovray Stadium opposite UEFA's Swiss headquarters in Nyon.
The four remaining teams will travel to western Switzerland for one-off semi-finals on Friday, April 24, with the final itself taking place on Monday, April 27.
Barcelona won the inaugural UEFA Youth League competition in 2013-14 after a similar four-team knockout event.
Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/170401-reds-confirm-opening-uyl-tie
Reds confirm opening UYL tie
8th Sep 2014 - Latest News
Liverpool's Academy youngsters will take on Ludogorets Razgrad in their opening UEFA Youth League fixture on Tuesday, September 16, at Langtree Park, St Helens.
The game will kick-off at 2pm BST and is ahead of the evening fixture when the two first teams meet at Anfield.
The format of the UEFA Youth League works in a similar way to the Champions League, with Liverpool facing the same teams as the first team - meaning they'll also take on Real Madrid and FC Basel - all on a home and away basis in the group stage.
More fixtures will be announced soon on Liverpoolfc.com.
The climax to the 2014-15 UEFA Youth League season takes place at the Colovray Stadium opposite UEFA's Swiss headquarters in Nyon.
The four remaining teams will travel to western Switzerland for one-off semi-finals on Friday, April 24, with the final itself taking place on Monday, April 27.
Barcelona won the inaugural UEFA Youth League competition in 2013-14 after a similar four-team knockout event.
Inglethorpe, one of Rodgers' shrewdest signings:
Alex Inglethorpe insists Liverpool FC’s shrewd use of the Football League loan system will enable them to remain a step ahead in terms of youth development.
The Reds have struck up a number of strategic relationships with lower-league clubs, which sees them send talented young players on short-term deals.
The plan has already had some success, and with the likes Jordon Ibe (Derby) and Joao Carlos Teixeira (Brighton) parked this season, and Inglethorpe is anticipating even more in the future.
“We have a wishlist of clubs, and managers, who we think are particularly strong in the area of youth development,” he says.
“The important thing is that when a player goes on loan, he is going to an environment which will teach similar things to what he would be learning at Liverpool.
“There are a lot more clubs in the Football League now who are committed to a philosophy and a way of playing which is conducive to youth development, and the loan system is something which enables us to tap into that.
“There is no shame in a 19 or 20-year-old being unable to crack the Liverpool first team straight away, so that is when the loan system comes in.
“If there isn’t a chance for boys in particular seasons, then they may need to go on loan and adapt somewhere else, and arm their footballing CV with something more than just U21 football, which will then suggest to the manager that they are ready to be given a chance, and to take it.
“We’ve already had a bit of success with the system, and we expect there will be more in the coming years too.”
Alex Inglethorpe insists Liverpool FC’s shrewd use of the Football League loan system will enable them to remain a step ahead in terms of youth development.
The Reds have struck up a number of strategic relationships with lower-league clubs, which sees them send talented young players on short-term deals.
The plan has already had some success, and with the likes Jordon Ibe (Derby) and Joao Carlos Teixeira (Brighton) parked this season, and Inglethorpe is anticipating even more in the future.
“We have a wishlist of clubs, and managers, who we think are particularly strong in the area of youth development,” he says.
“The important thing is that when a player goes on loan, he is going to an environment which will teach similar things to what he would be learning at Liverpool.
“There are a lot more clubs in the Football League now who are committed to a philosophy and a way of playing which is conducive to youth development, and the loan system is something which enables us to tap into that.
“There is no shame in a 19 or 20-year-old being unable to crack the Liverpool first team straight away, so that is when the loan system comes in.
“If there isn’t a chance for boys in particular seasons, then they may need to go on loan and adapt somewhere else, and arm their footballing CV with something more than just U21 football, which will then suggest to the manager that they are ready to be given a chance, and to take it.
“We’ve already had a bit of success with the system, and we expect there will be more in the coming years too.”
From the Echo
Alex Inglethorpe insists it is important for Liverpool FC to bring through local talent
Alex Inglethorpe happy to take on challenge of producing home-grown players
It is a topic which provokes fierce debate, no matter where you are in the footballing world.
Local versus global? Home-grown versus internationally-sourced? Developed versus recruited? Wherever you stand, the subject splits opinion like few others in the game.
At Liverpool, of course, the issue is particularly prevalent. For a club which has always taken great pride in its ability to “grow its own”, the well has run dry in recent years.
Indeed, since Steven Gerrard’s debut, in 1998, only one Merseyside-based player has broken through to make more than 50 league appearances for the Reds. And that player, Martin Kelly, was sold to Crystal Palace last month.
Now, though, the hope is that times are about to change. Liverpool have invested heavily in their Academy facility at Kirkby, and the feeling is that it won’t be long before the famous Anfield production line is back in operation.
For Alex Inglethorpe, the challenge is a daily one. The 42-year-old has just been promoted to the role of Academy director, and told the ECHO the idea of producing quality, Merseyside-bred footballers is high on his agenda.
“Liverpool has always been synonymous with having local lads coming through,” he says.
“Whether that’s a Michael Owen, a Robbie Fowler, a Steven Gerrard or a Jamie Carragher, that bloodline has always been there.
“We will always look to recruit the best, both from England and from abroad. But we also don’t want to forget what’s under our noses.
“The supporters will always identify with a player who shares the same characteristics as themselves, and it is important that we don’t lose that link into the local community.
“It’s hard, because the landscape is different now. Some of the biggest clubs in the world are within half an hour of us, so obviously it is more competitive when it comes to recruiting young lads.
“But I do think there is a huge attraction for a lad from Liverpool, or Merseyside should I say, to play for his local team. I think there is a pull for most of the boys, it’s their dream to go and play at Anfield, and we shouldn’t lose sight of that.
“Of course it’s difficult for a young local lad to break through, but that goes for any player. They are trying now to break into what will always be an international XI.
“But for us, it’s a challenge worth taking on. I know one thing; I would hate to think of a club without a strong link into its community.”
A hands-on coach – “I’m better on the grass than behind a desk,” he says – Inglethorpe’s new, adjusted role sees him take responsibility for spreading the philosophy and ideals of Liverpool’s first team across the entire Academy. From the U6s to the U21s, his influence is all-encompassing.
“I’m realistic,” he says. “I know that if I am trying to address issues at U6, U7, U8 level, then the likelihood is that I am not going to be around to reap the benefits further down the line!
“But I don’t think that is any reason not to do it. The easiest thing to do is to focus on the short-term and look only at the U18s and the U16s, but that is not what I want. I want a complete Academy, from six through to 21.
“There’s an expression, ‘society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in’, and I think that applies with the Academy. I may not get the benefit from the work we do at U6 and U7 level, but I still want to do it to safeguard the future.”
That future, it must be said, is already looking bright. Liverpool’s first-team picture is dominated currently by Raheem Sterling, signed as a 15-year-old and developed into a star for club and country, while there is a gaggle of young talents knocking on the door of Brendan Rodgers’ side, many of whom have worked under Inglethorpe in his previous role as U21 coach.
“We’re really lucky,” he says. “We have a manager and a first-team staff that recognise talent, and are brave enough to put players in if they’re good enough.
“That’s vital for any young lad. You have to see that there is a chance there. There has got to be a glimmer of, light at the end of the tunnel, otherwise it is pointless being around.
“The trick for us at the Academy is not just to get a player a debut. Debuts are one thing, but players that play 40, 50 games and beyond is what we are after.
“My remit for the last 10 years of working has been to try and produce Champions League quality players, irrespective of what the first team are doing at the time. That doesn’t change.
“And to become a Champions League player, you need special attributes. Physically, technically, tactically and mentally, you need to be elite. It’s a huge challenge, both for our players and for our coaches, but it’s one that we are happy to take on.”
Alex Inglethorpe insists it is important for Liverpool FC to bring through local talent
Alex Inglethorpe happy to take on challenge of producing home-grown players
It is a topic which provokes fierce debate, no matter where you are in the footballing world.
Local versus global? Home-grown versus internationally-sourced? Developed versus recruited? Wherever you stand, the subject splits opinion like few others in the game.
At Liverpool, of course, the issue is particularly prevalent. For a club which has always taken great pride in its ability to “grow its own”, the well has run dry in recent years.
Indeed, since Steven Gerrard’s debut, in 1998, only one Merseyside-based player has broken through to make more than 50 league appearances for the Reds. And that player, Martin Kelly, was sold to Crystal Palace last month.
Now, though, the hope is that times are about to change. Liverpool have invested heavily in their Academy facility at Kirkby, and the feeling is that it won’t be long before the famous Anfield production line is back in operation.
For Alex Inglethorpe, the challenge is a daily one. The 42-year-old has just been promoted to the role of Academy director, and told the ECHO the idea of producing quality, Merseyside-bred footballers is high on his agenda.
“Liverpool has always been synonymous with having local lads coming through,” he says.
“Whether that’s a Michael Owen, a Robbie Fowler, a Steven Gerrard or a Jamie Carragher, that bloodline has always been there.
“We will always look to recruit the best, both from England and from abroad. But we also don’t want to forget what’s under our noses.
“The supporters will always identify with a player who shares the same characteristics as themselves, and it is important that we don’t lose that link into the local community.
“It’s hard, because the landscape is different now. Some of the biggest clubs in the world are within half an hour of us, so obviously it is more competitive when it comes to recruiting young lads.
“But I do think there is a huge attraction for a lad from Liverpool, or Merseyside should I say, to play for his local team. I think there is a pull for most of the boys, it’s their dream to go and play at Anfield, and we shouldn’t lose sight of that.
“Of course it’s difficult for a young local lad to break through, but that goes for any player. They are trying now to break into what will always be an international XI.
“But for us, it’s a challenge worth taking on. I know one thing; I would hate to think of a club without a strong link into its community.”
A hands-on coach – “I’m better on the grass than behind a desk,” he says – Inglethorpe’s new, adjusted role sees him take responsibility for spreading the philosophy and ideals of Liverpool’s first team across the entire Academy. From the U6s to the U21s, his influence is all-encompassing.
“I’m realistic,” he says. “I know that if I am trying to address issues at U6, U7, U8 level, then the likelihood is that I am not going to be around to reap the benefits further down the line!
“But I don’t think that is any reason not to do it. The easiest thing to do is to focus on the short-term and look only at the U18s and the U16s, but that is not what I want. I want a complete Academy, from six through to 21.
“There’s an expression, ‘society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in’, and I think that applies with the Academy. I may not get the benefit from the work we do at U6 and U7 level, but I still want to do it to safeguard the future.”
That future, it must be said, is already looking bright. Liverpool’s first-team picture is dominated currently by Raheem Sterling, signed as a 15-year-old and developed into a star for club and country, while there is a gaggle of young talents knocking on the door of Brendan Rodgers’ side, many of whom have worked under Inglethorpe in his previous role as U21 coach.
“We’re really lucky,” he says. “We have a manager and a first-team staff that recognise talent, and are brave enough to put players in if they’re good enough.
“That’s vital for any young lad. You have to see that there is a chance there. There has got to be a glimmer of, light at the end of the tunnel, otherwise it is pointless being around.
“The trick for us at the Academy is not just to get a player a debut. Debuts are one thing, but players that play 40, 50 games and beyond is what we are after.
“My remit for the last 10 years of working has been to try and produce Champions League quality players, irrespective of what the first team are doing at the time. That doesn’t change.
“And to become a Champions League player, you need special attributes. Physically, technically, tactically and mentally, you need to be elite. It’s a huge challenge, both for our players and for our coaches, but it’s one that we are happy to take on.”
“Liverpool has always been synonymous with having local lads coming through,” he says.
“Whether that’s a Michael Owen, a Robbie Fowler, a Steven Gerrard or a Jamie Carragher, that bloodline has always been there.
Alex Inglethorpe needs to pass on to BR how to use 'synonymous'. Exemplary deployment of the term by Alex.
“Whether that’s a Michael Owen, a Robbie Fowler, a Steven Gerrard or a Jamie Carragher, that bloodline has always been there.
Alex Inglethorpe needs to pass on to BR how to use 'synonymous'. Exemplary deployment of the term by Alex.
Liverpool have confirmed the following dates for their UEFA Youth League fixtures with Ludogorets Razgrad, Real Madrid and FC Basel.
The U19 tournament kicks-off with the opening fixture against Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad at Langtree Park, St Helens, on Tuesday, September 16 - a match you will be able to watch live on LFCTV from 2pm BST.
Tuesday, September 16. Liverpool v Ludogorets Razgrad. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park, St Helens.
Wednesday, October 1. FC Basel v Liverpool. Kick off 3pm at Campus Basel.
Wednesday, October 22. Liverpool v Real Madrid. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park.
Tuesday, November 4. Real Madrid v Liverpool. Kick off 4pm at Alfredo Di Stefano.
Wednesday, November 26. Ludogorets Razgrad v Liverpool. Kick off 4pm at Georgi Asparuhov, Sofia.
Tuesday, December 9. Liverpool v FC Basel. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park.
The U19 tournament kicks-off with the opening fixture against Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad at Langtree Park, St Helens, on Tuesday, September 16 - a match you will be able to watch live on LFCTV from 2pm BST.
Tuesday, September 16. Liverpool v Ludogorets Razgrad. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park, St Helens.
Wednesday, October 1. FC Basel v Liverpool. Kick off 3pm at Campus Basel.
Wednesday, October 22. Liverpool v Real Madrid. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park.
Tuesday, November 4. Real Madrid v Liverpool. Kick off 4pm at Alfredo Di Stefano.
Wednesday, November 26. Ludogorets Razgrad v Liverpool. Kick off 4pm at Georgi Asparuhov, Sofia.
Tuesday, December 9. Liverpool v FC Basel. Kick off 2pm at Langtree Park.
Our squad for the UEFA Youth League. Coached by Niel Critchley
http://www.uefa.com/uefayouthleague/season=2015/clubs/club=2606417/squad/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/uefayouthleague/season=2015/clubs/club=2606417/squad/index.html
Jake Brimmer scoring a couple of great free kicks for Australia u16s
Saw that this morning.
It's be nice to have someone who you think could score when there's a free kick
Balotelli??
Remains to be seen. He can score them, but I don't know how consistent he is with them
He scored loads for Milan so law of averages suggests he's got an excellent conversion rate.
Quite a few from pens and free kicks though
Fair enough. Hopefully he can be a regular scorer of them then!
Aldo comparing Ojo to John Barnes before the match.
OMFG WTF FFS OMG OMFG FFFFFFFFS
OMFG WTF FFS OMG OMFG FFFFFFFFS
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