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Rodolfo Borrell

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Well, hopefully that will change with Kenny's return.

ONe of the things he said in his book that really made a big impression on me was his frustration with how there was so much of a barrier between the kids and the first team. They never trained together, bussed together so how are they going to see what lies in store for them...how will they dream about getting into the first team?

I think that's the sole reason he's taking Stirling to Prague, tbh.
 
[quote author=Modo link=topic=44233.msg1286111#msg1286111 date=1297851145]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=44233.msg1286103#msg1286103 date=1297850376]

It hasn't all been great, as people who know local families with lads trying to get into these clubs would testify, we're renowned for treating young players like shit and not really giving the opportunities or support a few of our neighbours offer, like Everton and City (for example, I know a couple of families who've opted for these two clubs despite being reds, because they got better treatment).

Hopefully all that is beginning to change now for the better.
[/quote]

That's sad, reminds me of my playing days. Huge potential, zero confidence.
Might sound like a prick, but a lot of parents think their kids are better than they actually are. Especially kids that are technically gifted. More often than not they're the most brainless, ball-hogging, running into dead ends - type players.
On the other hand there are coaches who prefer big and strong players to smaller more gifted ones so I guess it's all about finding a coach with the right footballing philosophy.
[/quote]

We play on a Monday night usually and it's more often than not the old heads versus the young'uns (the age range is about 17-40). Despite them being quicker and having several technically better players, we usually play them off the park with simple pass and move ;D

Or if that doesn't work, we just kick'em.
 
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=44233.msg1286134#msg1286134 date=1297853982]
[quote author=Modo link=topic=44233.msg1286111#msg1286111 date=1297851145]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=44233.msg1286103#msg1286103 date=1297850376]

It hasn't all been great, as people who know local families with lads trying to get into these clubs would testify, we're renowned for treating young players like shit and not really giving the opportunities or support a few of our neighbours offer, like Everton and City (for example, I know a couple of families who've opted for these two clubs despite being reds, because they got better treatment).

Hopefully all that is beginning to change now for the better.
[/quote]

That's sad, reminds me of my playing days. Huge potential, zero confidence.
Might sound like a prick, but a lot of parents think their kids are better than they actually are. Especially kids that are technically gifted. More often than not they're the most brainless, ball-hogging, running into dead ends - type players.
On the other hand there are coaches who prefer big and strong players to smaller more gifted ones so I guess it's all about finding a coach with the right footballing philosophy.
[/quote]

We play on a Monday night usually and it's more often than not the old heads versus the young'uns (the age range is about 17-40). Despite them being quicker and having several technically better players, we usually play them off the park with simple pass and move ;D

Or if that doesn't work, we just kick'em.
[/quote]

Sounds about right.
 
Sorry lads i couldn't resist.


Why Benitez Legacy Has Secured Our Future


Rafa Benitez may have left Liverpool in a lowly Premier League position when he departed in July 2010, but the work he did with the academy system has left a legacy that is likely to last for as long as we live.

Prior to Rafa’s arrival at Anfield the youth system had stagnated under previous regimes – with Gerard Houllier being particularly guilty of neglecting it during his six year spell at the helm. The Frenchman became obsessed with recruiting young players from his native homeland, and as we all know they didn’t exactly transpire to be the gems they were billed to be. Benitez, though, made no such mistakes as he looked to reinvigorate an academy that had failed to churn out a talented youngster since the likes of Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard rolled off the production line.

During his tenure at Liverpool Rafa always sought ‘total control’ – this was his club and so, naturally, he wanted to extend his control from the early development stages right through to the first team fold. He constantly battled for power in this respect before finally being given the green light to revamp the academy program following Rick Parry’s departure from the club at the end of the 2008-09 season.

Where there once was a gaping chasm between the Kirkby centre of excellence and the Melwood senior training ground, there now stands a glorious golden bridge constructed by a man who understood the importance of long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Benitez may no longer be around to guide new recruits into first team football, but the staff he left behind could not be better equipped to do so.

Kenny Dalglish and Frank McParland were both present as the under 18s thrashed Southend 9-0 in the FA Youth Cup on Monday, but they may not have been there in a professional capacity had Rafa not brought them both back to the club to work with the youngsters. Equally integral – if not more so – was the capture of Jose Segura and Rodolfo Borrell as technical manager and coach, respectively.

These men were instrumental in the development of players such as Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic, Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas and our very own Dani Pacheco during their time together at Barcelona. There is simply nobody more capable of nurturing raw talent into star quality and they too were a product of Rafa’s grand design.

Dani Pacheco, Raheem Sterling and Suso are widely regarded as the hottest prospects on the periphery of first team football at Anfield at present, and all of these players were convinced to come to the club when they had the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester Utd to choose from. Who was responsible for persuading them to move to Merseyside? Yep, you guessed it – Rafa Benitez.

The academy infrastructure that Rafa left behind when he moved on is one that we will be able to rely upon for many years to come. Without him and his deeply rooted concern for the future of our club we would certainly have suffered in a future that looks set to revolve around self-sufficiency at club level. The fact that 12 of the 14 players who ran out 9-0 victors against Southend earlier this week were from the Spaniard’s production line is the proof in the pudding.

Rafa Benitez, who was much maligned for leaving Liverpool in the lurch when he departed last year, has actually secured our future for generations to come.
 
"Rafa Benitez, who was much maligned for leaving Liverpool in the lurch when he departed last year, has actually secured our future for generations to come."

Hahaha, christ.
 
You just know that our next league win in 2084 will somehow be down to Rafael Benitez.
 
There's a lot of truth in that article, in fairness.

There have been a lot of improvements in our youth prospects since Rafa got full control; though I dont think it was the removal of Rick Parry that was the main reason, it was probably the "retirement" of Steve Heighway.

It's still sad how Heighway couldnt repeat his earlier successes since our BEST youth prospects of the '90's were all under his watch; and I wish he and Rafa could have worked more closely in 2004.

Heighway could build good teams, but not create stars.

Rafa's main failures still lay elsewhere, and the youth policy will go down as a success hopefully; though it is too soon to tell.
 
[quote author=Avvy link=topic=44233.msg1286264#msg1286264 date=1297871471]
There's a lot of truth in that article, in fairness.

There have been a lot of improvements in our youth prospects since Rafa got full control; though I dont think it was the removal of Rick Parry that was the main reason, it was probably the "retirement" of Steve Heighway.

It's still sad how Heighway couldnt repeat his earlier successes since our BEST youth prospects of the '90's were all under his watch; and I wish he and Rafa could have worked more closely in 2004.

Heighway could build good teams, but not create stars.

Rafa's main failures still lay elsewhere, and the youth policy will go down as a success hopefully; though it is too soon to tell.
[/quote]

Don't agree with the bolded bit. As time went by, Parry extended his control over the Academy to the extent of giving his own son a job there. It would be interesting to know when that process began. I don't actually know when it did, but a pound to a penny says it coincided with that fall-off of talent to which you draw attention.
 
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=44233.msg1286103#msg1286103 date=1297850376]

It hasn't all been great, as people who know local families with lads trying to get into these clubs would testify, we're renowned for treating young players like shit and not really giving the opportunities or support a few of our neighbours offer, like Everton and City (for example, I know a couple of families who've opted for these two clubs despite being reds, because they got better treatment).

Hopefully all that is beginning to change now for the better.
[/quote]

Several posters on other websites have said that if they had talented kids Everton and Man City ( not sure after Abu Dhabi takoever) have way better programs. One thing which really helps Everton is that they have a very streamlined and small but focused youth program. They have 15 players in their reserve squad and around the same number in their academy squad.
 
[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=44233.msg1286256#msg1286256 date=1297870200]
Maybe they're expecting Sterling and co to still be playing 50 years later?
[/quote]
I think the point is, and I'm sure you realize it, that Rafa has put the structure in place for a successful youth system, which will serve us well over the years ahead.
Obviously Rafa didn't get it all right at Anfield, but equally he did not get it all wrong. Strengths and weaknesses, and the weaknesses were more apparent towards the end.
Hopefully the re-vamped youth system will eventually be seen alongside Istanbul in discussions on his contribution to LFC.
 
Take nothing away from Rafa cos he obviously saw the problems with the Academy and youth production line and worked on it, but to be fair, who deserves the bulk of the credit, IF the upcoming crop of graduates make it to the 1st team and the Academy works wonder? I would be rather disappointed for it to be remembered as Rafa's legacy rather than Segura/Borrell/McParland's (Perhaps' Segura's part is the biggest in terms of role, given his position as Academy Technical manager). When Borrell joined, he had this to say: "When I heard about the opportunity to work with Jose Segura, who I already knew, at such a massive football institution as Liverpool, I felt so excited and honoured. "

Bringing someone in to do a job is obviously the 1st and most essential step but there's much more factors involved. It's not in FM where you simply need to bring in 5 star backroom staffs and wait for them to produce the goods. Besides, after working with them for barely a yr, how big an influence did Rafa have on the blueprint - and is that still in line or tweaked/improved upon by those current in the power?

Would like to reiterate my respect for Rafa for his time at Anfield but I'm not sure if the authors of the increasingly trendy topic of legacy (largely thanks to the 9-0 win and Sterling's performance) is without clouded vision/'agenda'.
 
Great column from Rodolfo in the offal. He is clearly delighted with Kenny's nurturing relationship with the academy:

Euro starlets, Man U and 9-0


It's been a busy week for us here at the Academy and one that seems to have pushed us right into the national spotlight.

Our 9-0 win over Southend in the FA Youth Cup certainly captured the imagination of supporters across the country and that victory was capped by the news that Kenny Dalglish had selected four members of that team for his Europa League squad.

I think we have some really exciting players coming through and I am very proud that some of them were involved in the build up to the match against Sparta Prague.

Everyone is looking to ensure this club has a bright future and giving these players the chance to experience a European occasion on foreign soil is massive.

There is no better person to do that than Kenny. I don't think there is another manager in the world that knows the youth set-up of his club better than the gaffer.

He knows every last detail about our Academy, its youngsters and what qualities they possess.

He's also a football legend and a player who reached the very pinnacle of the game. His status as the greatest ever Liverpool player instantly commands respect and is yet another reason why he is the perfect choice to help our youngsters make the step up to first-team level. No-one can offer them better advice than Kenny.

The goalless draw with Sparta Prague may not have been the most entertaining of spectacles but I was very proud to see that Conor Coady was amongst the substitutes.

I would be delighted to see any of the players in my squad on the bench but I am especially pleased with Kenny's decision to select Conor.

He is our captain and represents the values that a young player must have to play for this club.

Not only does he have good technical, physical and tactical qualities, he also has the right attitude.

The fact Conor is a local lad will also strike a chord with the fans and there is no doubt in my mind that he can set a good example for the rest of our youngsters.

He has had an enjoyable week and I know that it meant a great deal to him to score a goal at the Kop end against Southend.

Now I have had time to reflect, I have been able to take a more considered view of the performance. Yes, it is true that there are probably not too many occasions when a Liverpool manager has won 9-0 but if I am honest, I thought we played better in the last round against Crystal Palace. The difference on this occasion was that every time we got into good positions we finished it off.

We had been expecting a very tough game. You must always prepare for matches thinking that you are going to play the most difficult opponent. If you are not ready and in the right state mentally, then you will get into trouble.

Fortunately for us, everyone was on their game and we ran out very comfortable winners in the end.

But the funny thing about football is that even a 9-0 win can create problems for a coach.

My toughest job this week has been to manage expectation and keep the lads grounded. I am always looking to keep the players focused and make sure they maintain a humility in the way they conduct themselves. They must understand that they are part of one of the biggest clubs in the history of football and that they must always remain humble when they achieve an eye-catching result.

They have to understand that every second they have here is precious and that they must give their all so they do not miss an opportunity to impress.

You won't be surprised to hear that quite a few people have been asking me about Raheem Sterling.

I can understand why everyone is talking about him. I cannot hide that he is a very talented player. But we must look after him. Everyone wants to see this player being successful and to play a long time in our first-team. If he is to achieve this then we must help him to improve so he realises his potential. He still has a way to go.

It's easy to forget how well the team played when you look at the headlines. The simple truth is that every last one of our players contributed to the victory and I am delighted with them.

After such an action-packed week it was nice for us to return to the bread and butter of the league and our U18 home match with Stoke City on Saturday morning.

It was important for us to maintain the momentum we have gathered and not allow ourselves to be too distracted by the forthcoming FA Youth Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester United. We played a good game and deserved our 4-1 victory.

I was actually in Manchester on Wednesday night and saw them beat Newcastle 1-0 to set up the tie at Anfield. We are under no illusions that this will be a very tough test for us.

They are very strong in defence and have a good goalkeeper. They have a midfield full of quality and their forwards are dangerous. We must be on the top of our game if we are to keep our cup dream alive.

It will be a special occasion for the players and for me as a coach. It is a match that has a lot of history both at first-team level and in the Youth Cup, so there will be a lot of interest in it.

I will be proud to lead the Reds out against them and we will make sure we are ready to fight for a place in the last four of the competition - but we must keep our eye on the ball and make sure that we go into the clash on the back of some good results in the league. Now is not the time to be complacent.
 
I like Rodolfo's comment.

"Liverpool doesn't have to copy Barcelona, we are too big and have our own strategy and vision!"
 
[quote author=themn link=topic=44233.msg1287961#msg1287961 date=1298132897]
Yeah, til Barca come looking for him......
[/quote]
He's already been there.
 
Oh, so Fabregas wants to stay at Arsenal forever because "he's already been" at Barca ?
 
[quote author=themn link=topic=44233.msg1287964#msg1287964 date=1298133183]
Oh, so Fabregas wants to stay at Arsenal forever because "he's already been" at Barca ?
[/quote]
OK you're right.
 
In fairness he seems to be really enthusiastic about his role, I think he sees it as an important project.
 
I just don't think anyone will stay the course, Modo, anymore.

Unless they're called Carragher or Dalglish.





Or Kuyt.
 
[quote author=themn link=topic=44233.msg1287969#msg1287969 date=1298133782]
I just don't think anyone will stay the course, Modo, anymore.

Unless they're called Carragher or Dalglish.





Or Kuyt.
[/quote]or Lucas 😀
 
[quote author=Modo link=topic=44233.msg1287966#msg1287966 date=1298133484]
[quote author=themn link=topic=44233.msg1287964#msg1287964 date=1298133183]
Oh, so Fabregas wants to stay at Arsenal forever because "he's already been" at Barca ?
[/quote]
OK you're right.
[/quote]

Haha!
 
[quote author=Insignificance link=topic=44233.msg1287995#msg1287995 date=1298138916]
Finally, Rafa needs a lot of cred.
Click to expand...

Yeah, brining in King Kenny to overlook the academy was his smartest move. 😉
[/quote]

Outsourcing.
 
“This is the best youth team Liverpool have ever hadâ€
Posted on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 by David Tully


Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes the current crop of youngsters at the Kirkby Academy are the best that the Reds have ever produced. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, he said:

“I say with some confidence that this is the best youth team Liverpool have ever had. There’s so much promise among the players that fans are excited to see them in the first team when the time is right. Usually, you can identify just one or two who might make the grade from the second strings. Now, there’s up to 14 who could easily appear for the senior side at some stage. Hopefully, in the next few years, the lads in their late teens will be getting some action and it sets up some exciting times for Liverpool. I think Kenny was exactly right not playing them against Sparta Prague, although it must have been tempting. Everyone is banging on the drum about Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady, and Suso, but they need to be moulded in the right way, and not panic them. The time will come, though, when one or two of them is ready for their first-team baptism, and that will be great to see.â€

Aldridge is excited by the prospect of Raheem Sterling:

“It excites me to see what players like Raheem Sterling can do. His five goal spree against Southend last week was one of the best performances you’re likely to see from a youngster. Without getting too carried away, he looks to have an unbelievable amount of potential. He uses both right and left foot, has electric pace that defenders can’t live with. Of course, it’s about how you nurture kids like this as Raheem is only 16. You can’t just throw them in without a thought. He’s going to be a star for England or Jamaica whichever way he goes, but it’s got o be handled right.â€
 
[quote author=Kenny4PM link=topic=44233.msg1289375#msg1289375 date=1298386389]
“This is the best youth team Liverpool have ever hadâ€
Posted on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 by David Tully


Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes the current crop of youngsters at the Kirkby Academy are the best that the Reds have ever produced. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, he said:

“I say with some confidence that this is the best youth team Liverpool have ever had. There’s so much promise among the players that fans are excited to see them in the first team when the time is right. Usually, you can identify just one or two who might make the grade from the second strings. Now, there’s up to 14 who could easily appear for the senior side at some stage. Hopefully, in the next few years, the lads in their late teens will be getting some action and it sets up some exciting times for Liverpool. I think Kenny was exactly right not playing them against Sparta Prague, although it must have been tempting. Everyone is banging on the drum about Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady, and Suso, but they need to be moulded in the right way, and not panic them. The time will come, though, when one or two of them is ready for their first-team baptism, and that will be great to see.â€

Aldridge is excited by the prospect of Raheem Sterling:

“It excites me to see what players like Raheem Sterling can do. His five goal spree against Southend last week was one of the best performances you’re likely to see from a youngster. Without getting too carried away, he looks to have an unbelievable amount of potential. He uses both right and left foot, has electric pace that defenders can’t live with. Of course, it’s about how you nurture kids like this as Raheem is only 16. You can’t just throw them in without a thought. He’s going to be a star for England or Jamaica whichever way he goes, but it’s got to be handled right.â€

[/quote]

A little too optimistic to be fair.
I'd say that there's about 5-6 players that might make it.

Best chance: Robinson, Coady, Wisdom, Sterling, Morgan, Suso
Possible: Flanagan, Ngoo
Not yet rated: Connor Thomas, (Buju)Banton, Mersin
 
[quote author=Modo link=topic=44233.msg1289381#msg1289381 date=1298388226]
[quote author=Kenny4PM link=topic=44233.msg1289375#msg1289375 date=1298386389]
“This is the best youth team Liverpool have ever hadâ€
Posted on Tuesday, 22nd February 2011 by David Tully


Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes the current crop of youngsters at the Kirkby Academy are the best that the Reds have ever produced. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, he said:

“I say with some confidence that this is the best youth team Liverpool have ever had. There’s so much promise among the players that fans are excited to see them in the first team when the time is right. Usually, you can identify just one or two who might make the grade from the second strings. Now, there’s up to 14 who could easily appear for the senior side at some stage. Hopefully, in the next few years, the lads in their late teens will be getting some action and it sets up some exciting times for Liverpool. I think Kenny was exactly right not playing them against Sparta Prague, although it must have been tempting. Everyone is banging on the drum about Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady, and Suso, but they need to be moulded in the right way, and not panic them. The time will come, though, when one or two of them is ready for their first-team baptism, and that will be great to see.â€

Aldridge is excited by the prospect of Raheem Sterling:

“It excites me to see what players like Raheem Sterling can do. His five goal spree against Southend last week was one of the best performances you’re likely to see from a youngster. Without getting too carried away, he looks to have an unbelievable amount of potential. He uses both right and left foot, has electric pace that defenders can’t live with. Of course, it’s about how you nurture kids like this as Raheem is only 16. You can’t just throw them in without a thought. He’s going to be a star for England or Jamaica whichever way he goes, but it’s got to be handled right.â€

[/quote]

A little too optimistic to be fair.
I'd say that there's about 5-6 players that might make it.

Best chance: Robinson, Coady, Wisdom, Sterling, Morgan
Possible: Flanagan, Ngoo
Not yet rated: Connor Thomas, (Buju)Banton, Mersin
[/quote]

Where's Suso in that?
 
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=44233.msg1289392#msg1289392 date=1298390678]

Where's Suso in that?
[/quote]

I stand by my choices...

No, forgot.
 
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