Doesn't look like we have one stickied this season so I'm starting one. Mods, any chance of a sticky please?
Beale's salute to Liverpool Academy starlet Woodburn
Liverpool's Ben Woodburn celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the pre-season friendly match at the DW Stadium, Wigan. Barry Coombs/PA Wire.
Liverpool Academy coach Michael Beale says the attitude and work ethic of teenager Ben Woodburn is just as impressive as his talent.
The 16-year-old attacker from Cheshire, who shone for the first-team in pre-season, bagged a classy double in the under-23s’ 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last Friday night.
Woodburn is widely regarded as one of the most gifted youngsters on the books at the Academy and he has delighted Beale with the impact he’s made since making the step up to the under-23s squad this season.
“Ben took both his goals against Arsenal really well,” Beale told the ECHO.
“It’s important we manage the hype around him and also that we manage his energy levels.
“We’ve had two really tough games over the past week against Chelsea and Arsenal but what a learning experience for him.
“The biggest thing with Ben is that he’s very low maintenance and high output. That’s what you want from a young player. He’s not brash or flash.
“He works hard and is from a fantastic family. You don’t need to keep his feet on the ground.”
After heavy defeats at the hands of Southampton and Chelsea, the under-23s finally got off the mark courtesy of a dominant display at the Emirates.
Beale believes the inclusion of first-team squad players Lucas Leiva and Andre Wisdom made a big difference.
Lucas was making his comeback after a month out with a hamstring strain, while Wisdom dropped down to the under-23s to get some game time ahead of a likely move away from Anfield prior to Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
“It was much better,” Beale said.
“The team has changed a lot with something like six changes from one game to another. Having Lucas and Andre around the group really helped.
“It was fantastic to see Lucas get 45 minutes. He’s a top pro and a real class act. In the second half he sat and supported the boys, cheering them on. I ask him for advice and he gives me feedback on the young players. I’d happily take a thousand Lucas Leivas.
“Andre has become a bit of a forgotton man. He’s still very young and he showed that he’s a top young player.
“Our midfielders owned the ball - Cameron (Brannagan), Ovie (Ejaria) and Jordan (Williams). When we had the ball we kept it well and it was a performance worthy of playing at a place like the Emirates.
“Ben got the goals but I also thought Harry (Wilson) and Toni (Gomes) were outstanding going forward. We got Harry and Ben in good areas and when Toni’s in that sort of form he causes teams a lot of drama.
“Arsenal are a top team but we showed we have excellent players. My worry sometimes with this team is that we put too much of a lens on it.
“I remember Steven Gerrard making a great comment a few years back about the time when there was no LFCTV, no media around the Academy teams, and how the young players developed away from the cameras. This is a young team and we need to just let these boys grow.”
Here is a link to a video of Woodburn in the game.
Beale's salute to Liverpool Academy starlet Woodburn
Liverpool's Ben Woodburn celebrates scoring his side's second goal of the game during the pre-season friendly match at the DW Stadium, Wigan. Barry Coombs/PA Wire.
Liverpool Academy coach Michael Beale says the attitude and work ethic of teenager Ben Woodburn is just as impressive as his talent.
The 16-year-old attacker from Cheshire, who shone for the first-team in pre-season, bagged a classy double in the under-23s’ 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates last Friday night.
Woodburn is widely regarded as one of the most gifted youngsters on the books at the Academy and he has delighted Beale with the impact he’s made since making the step up to the under-23s squad this season.
“Ben took both his goals against Arsenal really well,” Beale told the ECHO.
“It’s important we manage the hype around him and also that we manage his energy levels.
“We’ve had two really tough games over the past week against Chelsea and Arsenal but what a learning experience for him.
“The biggest thing with Ben is that he’s very low maintenance and high output. That’s what you want from a young player. He’s not brash or flash.
“He works hard and is from a fantastic family. You don’t need to keep his feet on the ground.”
After heavy defeats at the hands of Southampton and Chelsea, the under-23s finally got off the mark courtesy of a dominant display at the Emirates.
Beale believes the inclusion of first-team squad players Lucas Leiva and Andre Wisdom made a big difference.
Lucas was making his comeback after a month out with a hamstring strain, while Wisdom dropped down to the under-23s to get some game time ahead of a likely move away from Anfield prior to Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
“It was much better,” Beale said.
“The team has changed a lot with something like six changes from one game to another. Having Lucas and Andre around the group really helped.
“It was fantastic to see Lucas get 45 minutes. He’s a top pro and a real class act. In the second half he sat and supported the boys, cheering them on. I ask him for advice and he gives me feedback on the young players. I’d happily take a thousand Lucas Leivas.
“Andre has become a bit of a forgotton man. He’s still very young and he showed that he’s a top young player.
“Our midfielders owned the ball - Cameron (Brannagan), Ovie (Ejaria) and Jordan (Williams). When we had the ball we kept it well and it was a performance worthy of playing at a place like the Emirates.
“Ben got the goals but I also thought Harry (Wilson) and Toni (Gomes) were outstanding going forward. We got Harry and Ben in good areas and when Toni’s in that sort of form he causes teams a lot of drama.
“Arsenal are a top team but we showed we have excellent players. My worry sometimes with this team is that we put too much of a lens on it.
“I remember Steven Gerrard making a great comment a few years back about the time when there was no LFCTV, no media around the Academy teams, and how the young players developed away from the cameras. This is a young team and we need to just let these boys grow.”
Here is a link to a video of Woodburn in the game.
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