Youth and Reserves thread - 2013/14
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Was Morgan injured or on the bench? It's unusual that he doesn't get onto the pitch. Similarly, was Yesil on the bench as well?
And how did Brad Smith do?
And how did Brad Smith do?
Hmmm I think modo is getting a stupid amount of flack for a fair comment
...that is the entire point of this forum, isn't it ?
How many times has McLaughlin been injured? Like any brave defender, he's come off worse in the odd tackle, that's it. He's not injury prone. He doesn't suffer from niggling injuries like Gerrard did at that age. He's not Darren bloody Anderton. I don't recall anyone who watches him regularly making such a claim before. Including Modo, who was a fan until, oh, about an hour before he came up with his latest stupid wind-up conceit. I know the forum's quiet at the moment but to pretend that this is anything other than cynical time wasting is too disingenuous. I'm certainly too busy to bother with it. I've ignored the crap he comes out with in other threads. I'll dodge this thread as well in future.
Watched the game this morning - strange performance with some bright spots (Ibe, Rossiter, Smith, Teixeira etc)
Kelly, on the other hand, looks an absolute shadow of his former self. You'd expect him to be dominating at this level but he's coasting through games invisible to the eye. It's not good for a captain to be the least vocal and effective player on the pitch.
I suspect he still harbours some post-injury doubts about whether he'll hold up to a full-blooded game. On yesterdays evidence, he's some way to go to displacing our U-21 central pairing, never mind thinking about the first team.
Kelly, on the other hand, looks an absolute shadow of his former self. You'd expect him to be dominating at this level but he's coasting through games invisible to the eye. It's not good for a captain to be the least vocal and effective player on the pitch.
I suspect he still harbours some post-injury doubts about whether he'll hold up to a full-blooded game. On yesterdays evidence, he's some way to go to displacing our U-21 central pairing, never mind thinking about the first team.
I think Morgan tweeted that he was missing the game because of injury
[article=https://www.facebook.com/TKWATR/posts/675968289104583]Liverpool U18's 3 Stoke U18's 1
Liverpool went in at half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Jerome Sinclair and an Own goal from one of the Stoke centre backs.
The second goal came through more pressure from Sinclair as a shot was deflected in by
After the break The keeper and defence for the potters were all put under more pressure as the youth side carried on where they left off in the first half of the game.
All of that hard work wasn't capitalized on and from a corner Stoke got a scrappy goal back to make it 2-1.
Stoke weren't out of the game, but the Reds U18's quickly got back into their stride and carried on trying to get another goal to strengthen their lead.
Eventually the two goal lead was restored when from a corner big centre back Tom Brewitt getting something to the ball and deflecting it into the back of the net.
It should have been 4-1 with five minutes to go after Jerome Sinclair was fouled in the area after having his shirt pulled and the referee gave a penalty. Sinclair himself stepped up, but his spot kick was poor and the keeper went down and saved it easily.
More good news was that Sergi Canos managed to get some minutes on the pitch and showed some really positive touches. The former Barca youth player only received international clearance yesterday, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of another great prospect.[/article]
Jerome Sinclair @jeromeNo91m
2 goals, should have got my hat-trick but good win , on to the next one.
Liverpool's U18 players stand to remember those who lost their lives during the two World Wars.
Liverpool's Harry Wilson in action against Stoke City.
Liverpool went in at half time with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Jerome Sinclair and an Own goal from one of the Stoke centre backs.
The second goal came through more pressure from Sinclair as a shot was deflected in by
After the break The keeper and defence for the potters were all put under more pressure as the youth side carried on where they left off in the first half of the game.
All of that hard work wasn't capitalized on and from a corner Stoke got a scrappy goal back to make it 2-1.
Stoke weren't out of the game, but the Reds U18's quickly got back into their stride and carried on trying to get another goal to strengthen their lead.
Eventually the two goal lead was restored when from a corner big centre back Tom Brewitt getting something to the ball and deflecting it into the back of the net.
It should have been 4-1 with five minutes to go after Jerome Sinclair was fouled in the area after having his shirt pulled and the referee gave a penalty. Sinclair himself stepped up, but his spot kick was poor and the keeper went down and saved it easily.
More good news was that Sergi Canos managed to get some minutes on the pitch and showed some really positive touches. The former Barca youth player only received international clearance yesterday, so hopefully we'll be seeing more of another great prospect.[/article]
Jerome Sinclair
2 goals, should have got my hat-trick but good win , on to the next one.
Liverpool's U18 players stand to remember those who lost their lives during the two World Wars.
Liverpool's Harry Wilson in action against Stoke City.
James Pearce @JamesPearceEcho9h
#LFC U21s off to Spain tomorrow for a friendly v Sevilla. Martin Kelly and Jon Flanagan both included in squad.
DanielTrickett-Smith @TrickettSmith15m
Just landed in Spain.☀️
Adam Morgan @AMorgan9438m
Unfortunately I didn't travel to Spain this knock is still bothering me.. More running today to try an get it right for the next game!
harry wilson @harrywilson_14h
Flying to Spain in the morning for a game against Sevilla#LFC
DanielTrickett-Smith
Just landed in Spain.☀️
Adam Morgan
Unfortunately I didn't travel to Spain this knock is still bothering me.. More running today to try an get it right for the next game!
harry wilson
Flying to Spain in the morning for a game against Sevilla
Sevilla Atletico 1-1 Liverpool U21
Jack Dunn the goalscorer
[article=http://www.liverpool.no/nyheter/sevilla-atletico--liverpool-u21.aspx]Liverpool U21: Danny Ward, Jon Flanagan, Brad Smith, Lloyd Jones, Martin Kelly, Jordan Rossiter, Ryan McLaughlin (Harry Wilson 55), Joao Carlos Teixeira, Kristoffer Peterson, Cameron Brannagan (Jack Dunn 55), Ryan Kent (Daniel Trickett-Smith 55).[/article]
Jack Dunn the goalscorer
[article=http://www.liverpool.no/nyheter/sevilla-atletico--liverpool-u21.aspx]Liverpool U21: Danny Ward, Jon Flanagan, Brad Smith, Lloyd Jones, Martin Kelly, Jordan Rossiter, Ryan McLaughlin (Harry Wilson 55), Joao Carlos Teixeira, Kristoffer Peterson, Cameron Brannagan (Jack Dunn 55), Ryan Kent (Daniel Trickett-Smith 55).[/article]
Peterson according to the offal.
Was that Sevilla's first team they were playing?
Was that Sevilla's first team they were playing?
Sevilla Atletico is their B team, currently playing in Segunda B (3rd tier, similar to League 1)
Yeah, seems like its Peterson instead of Dunn (as mentioned in twitter), as he was also credited with our goal on Sevilla's offal.
Yeah, seems like its Peterson instead of Dunn (as mentioned in twitter), as he was also credited with our goal on Sevilla's offal.
Cheers for that Binny
Frank McParland:
Harry Wilson making his international debut came as a surprise to everybody - not least his grandad who ended up retiring the next day as a result of it.
At 16 and 207 days, when he came on in the World Cup qualifier against Belgium, Harry became Liverpool's youngest ever international and the youngest player to play for Wales.
His grandad Peter had put a £50 bet on at odds of 2,500/1 when Harry was just 18 months old that he would play for his country and I'm delighted for him that it paid off.
Harry came in to the Academy the following day and told me his grandad, who is an electrical contractor, had decided to retire early as a result of his winnings so it turned out well.
Big future: Wales boss Chris Coleman has backed Harry Wilson to play for Wales for many years to come
Teenage kicks: Wilson is congratulated by Wales legend Craig Bellamy after his international bow
Making strides: Wilson's call up was a shock to a lot of people at the club
Fortunately, Harry is a humble and sensible kid. I got everyone to give him a round of applause in the canteen and he was very embarrassed by it all.
We had a chat about the importance of him continuing to focus on his game and sure enough his first game back for the U18s he scored two, played really well and we won 4-2.
We knew of course that Harry was going with the Wales squad but I'm glad he only came on for a few minutes.
Physically, Harry has a lot to do before he grows and is able to compete with international players, particularly those that play for the likes of Belgium.
He has only come on once before for our U21s so it was a huge step up but Wales were keen that he played for them before other countries found a way of selecting him.
The man in charge: McParland overseas all the young players coming through the Liverpool academy
One of our first team staff Ryland Morgans, who is head of fitness and conditioning, is on Wales's staff so he was able to look after Harry anyway but we are thankful he came through it unscathed. It was a great experience and lovely milestone for the kid but hopefully he will keep a focus on his Liverpool career
A lot has been said lately about the development of British players, or lack of it, and how the system is failing the national sides.
Michael Owen even went as far to say that the structure of academies is the flaw. He believes not enough is being done to bridge the gap between the last under age side and the first team.
Getting his views across: Michael Owen (right) says the academy system is flawed
So, in his opinion, subsequently players are falling off the radar or drifting out of the game.
He put forward two ideas: one was to have an American-style draft system where any club can pick up a Premier League reserve on loan and his other proposal was to have a Premier League B team entered into the lower leagues similar to Spain.
Personally I'd be totally against the 'draft' idea.
When you groom and nurture players from a young age you want to continue to have control.
It's no use a club putting that time and effort into a prospect if they go to a club where they don't play the style you want. It could be detrimental to the player's progress.
The manager, Brendan Rodgers, is very keen on making sure we are sending players to the right clubs. He and I will have a chat about their strengths and weaknesses and where may be the best options for them to continue their education and he always has the final say.
We treat every player on their individual merits. For example, Krisztian Adorjan we have sent to Groningen in Holland but we wouldn't send Harry Wilson out on loan right now because he's not right physically. So lumping them all into a pool just wouldn't work.
Getting it right: Manager Brendan Rodgers wants to see players loaned to the clubs that will help them
We like to know how the manager plays, the way he sets up his team, maybe even what training they may do. It's all part of making sure our players are looked after and develop.
Personally, I'd be more in favour of a tie-up with a team or developing your own B team. I think that's a great idea. That way you can imprint your own ideals with your own coaches. It works fantastically well in Spain and maybe it's something that will come on more with the difference in finances between Premier League sides and those in the lower tiers.
If it's a tie-up with another side you obviously have to respect that club's traditions and fanbase. I remember talk of us forming a link up with Crewe many years ago but for one reason or another it didn't happen. All the same, hypothetically speaking now, the way they play would probably suit where we would want some of our players to grow.
It's something worth looking at but we have to have utmost respect for the other club's identity.
It's an important point about ensuring players don't fall by the wayside but at Liverpool we work hard at giving the lads total support. That's where staff such as Phil Roscoe and Clive Cook put in so much work and are invaluable.
Where it started: Robbie Fowler (right) has been back at the training ground helping the young players
They look after education and welfare to ensure the players are aware of the pitfalls.
Even if young players leave us we always want them to know we will help them in their next step and we do.
We've had Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Rob Jones coaching at the academy recently. They've had varied careers; Steve playing here then for Real Madrid, winning Champions League trophies; Robbie scoring goals all over the world and then Rob who in a way is possibly more important to us because he finished his career early due to injury.
He was a top full-back with Crewe, us and England but then had to re-evaluate his life and developed a successful business. It's not just about good players coming back and showing how they can play, it's about the the good advice they have picked up and how that is imbibed by the new ones we are developing at Liverpool Football Club.
To that point the return of Kenny Dalglish is also a masterstroke. You have to give great credit to the manager and the owners for making it happen. It's a fantastic idea as Kenny is such an influential figurehead for Liverpool.
He's a massive icon to so many people not just in Britain but around the world and it can only be advantageous for the club.
Masterstroke: McParland is pleased to see Kenny Dalglish back at Liverpool
Indeed, Steve McManaman will tell you Kenny played a pivotal role in him signing for Liverpool. Maybe now some of the kids we want to take on don't realise straight away who Kenny is but the parents do. Already Kenny has been down to watch a couple of academy games and it gives everyone a real buzz to see him there. If ever we ask him for help with anything to do with the academy he is there.
Liverpool are always thinking of how we can evolve and spread the club's good name. In the new year we are launching an academy with Indian side DSK Shivajians who are based in Pune.
We believe it is the first of its kind and the intention is to mirror what we do well at the academy here over there in India and help develop local footballing talent.
The players will be scouted locally and earn places on merit from ages eight, nine and up to 18. It will be a purpose-built residential complex featuring full-size pitches, practice areas, classrooms, changing rooms, a gym, canteen, lecture theatre, medical facilities and coaches from Liverpool will work on the project.
Praise: England U17 coach John Peacock was pleased with Jordan Rossiter (left) as well as team-mates Tom Brewitt and Seyi Ojo
We believe there is a high level of talent over there and we want to help.
I was delighted last month when John Peacock, the England U17 coach, called to pass praise on the three players we had in the squad who helped secure European Championship qualification through the first round. Jordan Rossiter, Tom Brewitt and Seyi Ojo all played their part as England comfortably finished top of their group.
The plaudits have been coming our way recently. Yan Dhanda, who joined us from West Bromwich Albion earlier in the year, won Up and Coming Asian player of the Year at Wembley last month, ironically presented by Steve Clarke the West Bromwich Albion manager.
And at the North West Football Awards, Jerome Sinclair was voted the Rising Star, Jamie Carragher was named Player of the Year, while Jay Spearing at Bolton won Championship Player of the Year and Jon Welsh at Preston won League One Player of the Year. All of them former academy graduates.
Picking up the gongs: Sportsmail columnist Jamie Carragher was named North West Football's player of the year
It was also pleasing that we were able to see Sergio Canos, a young player we signed from Barcelona, figure for our U18s against Stoke last weekend. He came on in a 3-1 win.
It says a lot when players from that part of the world want to come to Liverpool because they believe in the way we help young players improve.
I keep saying we aim to develop outstanding players and good human beings. Last season seven academy players made their first-team debuts. Hopefully, it all shows that we are doing things the right way, the Liverpool way.
Harry Wilson making his international debut came as a surprise to everybody - not least his grandad who ended up retiring the next day as a result of it.
At 16 and 207 days, when he came on in the World Cup qualifier against Belgium, Harry became Liverpool's youngest ever international and the youngest player to play for Wales.
His grandad Peter had put a £50 bet on at odds of 2,500/1 when Harry was just 18 months old that he would play for his country and I'm delighted for him that it paid off.
Harry came in to the Academy the following day and told me his grandad, who is an electrical contractor, had decided to retire early as a result of his winnings so it turned out well.
Big future: Wales boss Chris Coleman has backed Harry Wilson to play for Wales for many years to come
Teenage kicks: Wilson is congratulated by Wales legend Craig Bellamy after his international bow
Making strides: Wilson's call up was a shock to a lot of people at the club
Fortunately, Harry is a humble and sensible kid. I got everyone to give him a round of applause in the canteen and he was very embarrassed by it all.
We had a chat about the importance of him continuing to focus on his game and sure enough his first game back for the U18s he scored two, played really well and we won 4-2.
We knew of course that Harry was going with the Wales squad but I'm glad he only came on for a few minutes.
Physically, Harry has a lot to do before he grows and is able to compete with international players, particularly those that play for the likes of Belgium.
He has only come on once before for our U21s so it was a huge step up but Wales were keen that he played for them before other countries found a way of selecting him.
The man in charge: McParland overseas all the young players coming through the Liverpool academy
One of our first team staff Ryland Morgans, who is head of fitness and conditioning, is on Wales's staff so he was able to look after Harry anyway but we are thankful he came through it unscathed. It was a great experience and lovely milestone for the kid but hopefully he will keep a focus on his Liverpool career
A lot has been said lately about the development of British players, or lack of it, and how the system is failing the national sides.
Michael Owen even went as far to say that the structure of academies is the flaw. He believes not enough is being done to bridge the gap between the last under age side and the first team.
Getting his views across: Michael Owen (right) says the academy system is flawed
So, in his opinion, subsequently players are falling off the radar or drifting out of the game.
He put forward two ideas: one was to have an American-style draft system where any club can pick up a Premier League reserve on loan and his other proposal was to have a Premier League B team entered into the lower leagues similar to Spain.
Personally I'd be totally against the 'draft' idea.
When you groom and nurture players from a young age you want to continue to have control.
It's no use a club putting that time and effort into a prospect if they go to a club where they don't play the style you want. It could be detrimental to the player's progress.
The manager, Brendan Rodgers, is very keen on making sure we are sending players to the right clubs. He and I will have a chat about their strengths and weaknesses and where may be the best options for them to continue their education and he always has the final say.
We treat every player on their individual merits. For example, Krisztian Adorjan we have sent to Groningen in Holland but we wouldn't send Harry Wilson out on loan right now because he's not right physically. So lumping them all into a pool just wouldn't work.
Getting it right: Manager Brendan Rodgers wants to see players loaned to the clubs that will help them
We like to know how the manager plays, the way he sets up his team, maybe even what training they may do. It's all part of making sure our players are looked after and develop.
Personally, I'd be more in favour of a tie-up with a team or developing your own B team. I think that's a great idea. That way you can imprint your own ideals with your own coaches. It works fantastically well in Spain and maybe it's something that will come on more with the difference in finances between Premier League sides and those in the lower tiers.
If it's a tie-up with another side you obviously have to respect that club's traditions and fanbase. I remember talk of us forming a link up with Crewe many years ago but for one reason or another it didn't happen. All the same, hypothetically speaking now, the way they play would probably suit where we would want some of our players to grow.
It's something worth looking at but we have to have utmost respect for the other club's identity.
It's an important point about ensuring players don't fall by the wayside but at Liverpool we work hard at giving the lads total support. That's where staff such as Phil Roscoe and Clive Cook put in so much work and are invaluable.
Where it started: Robbie Fowler (right) has been back at the training ground helping the young players
They look after education and welfare to ensure the players are aware of the pitfalls.
Even if young players leave us we always want them to know we will help them in their next step and we do.
We've had Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Rob Jones coaching at the academy recently. They've had varied careers; Steve playing here then for Real Madrid, winning Champions League trophies; Robbie scoring goals all over the world and then Rob who in a way is possibly more important to us because he finished his career early due to injury.
He was a top full-back with Crewe, us and England but then had to re-evaluate his life and developed a successful business. It's not just about good players coming back and showing how they can play, it's about the the good advice they have picked up and how that is imbibed by the new ones we are developing at Liverpool Football Club.
To that point the return of Kenny Dalglish is also a masterstroke. You have to give great credit to the manager and the owners for making it happen. It's a fantastic idea as Kenny is such an influential figurehead for Liverpool.
He's a massive icon to so many people not just in Britain but around the world and it can only be advantageous for the club.
Masterstroke: McParland is pleased to see Kenny Dalglish back at Liverpool
Indeed, Steve McManaman will tell you Kenny played a pivotal role in him signing for Liverpool. Maybe now some of the kids we want to take on don't realise straight away who Kenny is but the parents do. Already Kenny has been down to watch a couple of academy games and it gives everyone a real buzz to see him there. If ever we ask him for help with anything to do with the academy he is there.
Liverpool are always thinking of how we can evolve and spread the club's good name. In the new year we are launching an academy with Indian side DSK Shivajians who are based in Pune.
We believe it is the first of its kind and the intention is to mirror what we do well at the academy here over there in India and help develop local footballing talent.
The players will be scouted locally and earn places on merit from ages eight, nine and up to 18. It will be a purpose-built residential complex featuring full-size pitches, practice areas, classrooms, changing rooms, a gym, canteen, lecture theatre, medical facilities and coaches from Liverpool will work on the project.
Praise: England U17 coach John Peacock was pleased with Jordan Rossiter (left) as well as team-mates Tom Brewitt and Seyi Ojo
We believe there is a high level of talent over there and we want to help.
I was delighted last month when John Peacock, the England U17 coach, called to pass praise on the three players we had in the squad who helped secure European Championship qualification through the first round. Jordan Rossiter, Tom Brewitt and Seyi Ojo all played their part as England comfortably finished top of their group.
The plaudits have been coming our way recently. Yan Dhanda, who joined us from West Bromwich Albion earlier in the year, won Up and Coming Asian player of the Year at Wembley last month, ironically presented by Steve Clarke the West Bromwich Albion manager.
And at the North West Football Awards, Jerome Sinclair was voted the Rising Star, Jamie Carragher was named Player of the Year, while Jay Spearing at Bolton won Championship Player of the Year and Jon Welsh at Preston won League One Player of the Year. All of them former academy graduates.
Picking up the gongs: Sportsmail columnist Jamie Carragher was named North West Football's player of the year
It was also pleasing that we were able to see Sergio Canos, a young player we signed from Barcelona, figure for our U18s against Stoke last weekend. He came on in a 3-1 win.
It says a lot when players from that part of the world want to come to Liverpool because they believe in the way we help young players improve.
I keep saying we aim to develop outstanding players and good human beings. Last season seven academy players made their first-team debuts. Hopefully, it all shows that we are doing things the right way, the Liverpool way.
[article=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kop-kids-liverpool-fc-under-18s-6303391]Talented Spanish teenager Sergi Canos has finally got his Liverpool career up and running.
The 16-year-old made his competitive debut for the Reds in the under-18s 3-1 win over Stoke City last weekend.
Liverpool prised the attacking midfielder from Barcelona in the summer but were waiting for international clearance before fielding him U18 Premier League games.
The Spanish giants were keen to keep hold of Canos but could not offer him a full-time contract until he was 18.
And so Liverpool swooped and snapped up the highly-rated youngster.
Manager Neil Critchley was thrilled to finally select Canos for a league game.
“His clearance came through which was brilliant news for him and us,” Critchley said.
“It has been a difficult period for Sergi with not being able to play.
“We would be preparing for games and he would have to watch.
“He kept himself fit but there is no substitute for match fitness. So it will be a period of time to build his fitness up.”
Canos is away on international duty this week with Spain under-17s alongside Liverpool team-mate Pedro Chirivella, who joined from Valencia in the summer.
Critchley says that even though Canos’ period of inactivity was frustrating he maintained an exemplary attitude.
“His attitude and demeanour around training has been great,” said Critchley.
“He doesn’t speak much English but he and the club are working hard on that.
“Sergi is such a likeable boy and he is always smiling. He is such an infectious character and he plays the game with energy and life. We are delighted to have him.”
Neil Critchley was satisfied with Liverpool’s performance as the under-18s extended their unbeaten run.
The young Reds defeated Stoke City 3-1 at the Academy last weekend to make it five games without a loss.
Jerome Sinclair and Tom Brewitt were on the scoresheet for Liverpool with the other coming from an own goal.
“We played very well,” said Critchley.
“We dominated the second half and could’ve had a third goal to kill it off but they scored from a corner and came back into the game.
“But we got the third through Tom Brewitt.”
Critchley added: “We talk about the previous game and analyse it but our training during the week isn’t necessarily determined by the previous week’s result.
“Our training is always around improving the individuals in the group. When we weren’t winning games, it didn’t mean we spent all week defending."
Liverpool under-18s face a tough test at Sunderland this weekend, says manager Neil Critchley.
The Reds head to the North East this Saturday for a 12.30pm kick-off against the Black Cats.
“It is always a difficult game at Sunderland,” he said. “They have a reputation for producing players, particularly recently.
“They will be well organised and tough to play against but we are on a good run of form.”[/article]
I'm surprised kids like that still leave the Barcelona academy. It's got a proven record of bringing through players - even if they don't end up staying at Barca. Is the short-term gain worth it?
I wonder how much we pay these kids - wages must surely be the reason Pacheco stayed around for so long. Anyone know?
I wonder how much we pay these kids - wages must surely be the reason Pacheco stayed around for so long. Anyone know?
In this week's Academy column, Liverpool U18s coach Neil Critchley writes about the club's two latest Spanish recruits, Pedro Chirivella and Sergi Canos.
Critchley arrived at the Reds' Kirkby set-up in early September, joining from Crewe Alexandra, where he had held the role of academy director since 2007.
Youngsters Canos and Chirivella were already at the club by then; however, only recently have they international clearance in order to play – and Critchley is delighted to finally have them on board...
We're very pleased to have the two boys here as they are both good players.
Sergi's had a frustrating time because he's not been able to get out there and play, but he was delighted when the clearance came through last week - as was all the staff.
He got a little 25-minute cameo at the end of the Stoke game and he showed some nice touches.
We've got to remember that with both of these players, they've come to a new country, a new climate, new food, new people, new coaches and it's different for them.
So we mustn't expect too much too soon, but I have to say, I've been very impressed by both of them as people. We won't put pressure on them; we'll work with them and let them develop at their natural rate.
Pedro is very good technically and tactically. He's very composed on the ball and brings an assurance to our football.
He's bright, he knows the game and he knows the positions to take up on the pitch. He's got an old head on young shoulders.
He joined us from Valencia where he was the U16 Spanish international captain throughout 2012-13 and operates in the classic No.6 midfield role.
Then there's Sergi, who joins us from Barcelona and is an exciting final-third player, who likes to beat people, get into the box and finish.
He's very direct and he really comes to life when he's got the ball at his feet. He's exciting to watch and I'm sure supporters will relish watching the two of them.
I love working with them. That's my passion. It's the same with all the boys. I like looking at players and seeing where I can improve them - the same goes for all the staff here.
This week a couple of our U18 boys got their first taste of U21 football as Daniel Trickett-Smith, Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson travelled over with Alex Inglethorpe's group to play in a friendly against Sevilla - which ended in a 1-1 draw.
I accompanied the boys and I was there to watch the game. I wouldn't say it was an eye-opener, but I would say it was a level up for them. And I think they will know with hindsight there's work to do - but that's a natural step.
Both of them have been really good at U18 level this year, they've been having an impact on games, but they didn't quite have an impact on Tuesday's match because the level was that little bit tougher.
So now they have to think and find different ways of having an impact on the game at U21 level and I think the game will have given them food for thought.
But, like all the other players here, they have a fantastic attitude and I think that's testament to the other staff who have worked hard here with them from a young age.
We've been playing some very good football of late. Obviously we want to play in a certain style and have a certain identity and I think we've been showing what we're about.
Some of the players have proving themselves as individuals too and that has helped the team. The results have followed.
We've scored 15 goals in our last five games and I'd put that down to the nature of attacking play. We've got lots of gifted attackers in the team, who can beat players, who can combine with other players around them and are great in one-v-one situations.
So we're exciting to watch. With that, we leave ourselves a little bit open at the other end at times. But if we want the players to take a few risks with their football there's always a certain risk to it.
Jerome Sinclair has played in four out of our last five fixtures. He's not fully fit yet, but he looks to be getting better with each training session. He looked sharp in a session we had at Melwood earlier in the week.
In the games, we've seen how his timing and his coordination is coming back and he's scored three goals now, so he's looking a much better player since his return. He can still improve.
Earlier in the week we sat down in our video analysis room and compiled a clip for Jerome to study. Little pointers here and there; like shots of his movements in and around the box.
I've also told him I think he can improve the consistency of his technique with both feet and work a bit on his heading.
But I have to say he's got a lot of tools in his locker already and he's a very exciting player. He's still got some developing to go and he's very receptive to the work.
Jerome is focused, he wants to learn and he wants to get better, so therefore he's one who you always want to help because he's so eager to do well.
Critchley arrived at the Reds' Kirkby set-up in early September, joining from Crewe Alexandra, where he had held the role of academy director since 2007.
Youngsters Canos and Chirivella were already at the club by then; however, only recently have they international clearance in order to play – and Critchley is delighted to finally have them on board...
We're very pleased to have the two boys here as they are both good players.
Sergi's had a frustrating time because he's not been able to get out there and play, but he was delighted when the clearance came through last week - as was all the staff.
He got a little 25-minute cameo at the end of the Stoke game and he showed some nice touches.
We've got to remember that with both of these players, they've come to a new country, a new climate, new food, new people, new coaches and it's different for them.
So we mustn't expect too much too soon, but I have to say, I've been very impressed by both of them as people. We won't put pressure on them; we'll work with them and let them develop at their natural rate.
Pedro is very good technically and tactically. He's very composed on the ball and brings an assurance to our football.
He's bright, he knows the game and he knows the positions to take up on the pitch. He's got an old head on young shoulders.
He joined us from Valencia where he was the U16 Spanish international captain throughout 2012-13 and operates in the classic No.6 midfield role.
Then there's Sergi, who joins us from Barcelona and is an exciting final-third player, who likes to beat people, get into the box and finish.
He's very direct and he really comes to life when he's got the ball at his feet. He's exciting to watch and I'm sure supporters will relish watching the two of them.
I love working with them. That's my passion. It's the same with all the boys. I like looking at players and seeing where I can improve them - the same goes for all the staff here.
This week a couple of our U18 boys got their first taste of U21 football as Daniel Trickett-Smith, Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson travelled over with Alex Inglethorpe's group to play in a friendly against Sevilla - which ended in a 1-1 draw.
I accompanied the boys and I was there to watch the game. I wouldn't say it was an eye-opener, but I would say it was a level up for them. And I think they will know with hindsight there's work to do - but that's a natural step.
Both of them have been really good at U18 level this year, they've been having an impact on games, but they didn't quite have an impact on Tuesday's match because the level was that little bit tougher.
So now they have to think and find different ways of having an impact on the game at U21 level and I think the game will have given them food for thought.
But, like all the other players here, they have a fantastic attitude and I think that's testament to the other staff who have worked hard here with them from a young age.
We've been playing some very good football of late. Obviously we want to play in a certain style and have a certain identity and I think we've been showing what we're about.
Some of the players have proving themselves as individuals too and that has helped the team. The results have followed.
We've scored 15 goals in our last five games and I'd put that down to the nature of attacking play. We've got lots of gifted attackers in the team, who can beat players, who can combine with other players around them and are great in one-v-one situations.
So we're exciting to watch. With that, we leave ourselves a little bit open at the other end at times. But if we want the players to take a few risks with their football there's always a certain risk to it.
Jerome Sinclair has played in four out of our last five fixtures. He's not fully fit yet, but he looks to be getting better with each training session. He looked sharp in a session we had at Melwood earlier in the week.
In the games, we've seen how his timing and his coordination is coming back and he's scored three goals now, so he's looking a much better player since his return. He can still improve.
Earlier in the week we sat down in our video analysis room and compiled a clip for Jerome to study. Little pointers here and there; like shots of his movements in and around the box.
I've also told him I think he can improve the consistency of his technique with both feet and work a bit on his heading.
But I have to say he's got a lot of tools in his locker already and he's a very exciting player. He's still got some developing to go and he's very receptive to the work.
Jerome is focused, he wants to learn and he wants to get better, so therefore he's one who you always want to help because he's so eager to do well.
I read recently that Brannagan signed a new contract?
Pete O'Rourke @SkySportsPeteO15 Nov
Highly-rated Liverpool youngster Cameron Brannagan has signed a new deal at the club.#LFC
On a sidenote, dated Nov 2012
[article=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kop-kids-cameron-brannagan-aims-3330947]The Salford youngster has been with the Reds since the age of nine. He spent time with both Manchester United and Manchester City before choosing to join the Kirkby Academy.
“I had a few options but Liverpool was the friendliest set-up and I felt it was the best club for my development,” he added.[/article]
Pete O'Rourke
Highly-rated Liverpool youngster Cameron Brannagan has signed a new deal at the club.
On a sidenote, dated Nov 2012
[article=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kop-kids-cameron-brannagan-aims-3330947]The Salford youngster has been with the Reds since the age of nine. He spent time with both Manchester United and Manchester City before choosing to join the Kirkby Academy.
“I had a few options but Liverpool was the friendliest set-up and I felt it was the best club for my development,” he added.[/article]
One can only hope the set up that was put into place some 5 years ago begins to become the 'favorite' spot for the best talent in England ...
Watched Brannagan earlier in the season against a strong Sunderland side and he was excellent. Would be nice if he was one that the mancs missed out on.
Thanks for the clip Binny. Some stunning goals by both teams there; Ibe looked fantastic in the highlights.
R
RedZeppelin III
Guest
seems a strange time to of season to let him go . or will it be at the end of the season ?
Probably be at the end of the season. No surprise this news really. I remember some nutter on here saying he should have been on the bench for our first team at the end of the 11-12 season when he coudnt even getting a game for our u21 team! Some people who follow youth football get far too excited when a player does well at u18 level and dont understand the huge gap between underage football and first team football.
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