Youth Team/Cup

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Liverpool U23s held by Bournemouth in PL Cup

Liverpool U23s were held to a 1-1 draw in their Premier League Cup tie with Bournemouth at the Academy on Sunday.

Neil Critchley’s side came into the match with just a point from their opening two games in Group C – but looked on course to add three at the expense of the leaders.

Rafael Camacho gave the young Reds a breakthrough on 58 minutes when he created room to send a low finish past Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

But the visitors denied Liverpool a vital victory 10 minutes from time, when Kyle Taylor found the net with an impressive volley.

Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com: "We played very well in the first-half and created some good chances.

"Bournemouth came into the game more in the second half and I felt if we had got the second goal we would have won the game.

"We competed well today and I'm not disappointed with the boys, and we now look forward to our next game against Hertha BSC in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday."

Liverpool U23s: Grabara, N Williams, Juanma, Masterson, Johnston, Coyle (Cain), Camacho, Chirivella, McAuley (Millar), Christie-Davies, Larouci.

 

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/academy/328062-liverpool-u23s-bournemouth-premier-league-cup

[Allan]

The 23s won 3-1 against Hertha Berlin II in this evening's Premier League International Cup game played at The Academy.

 

McAuley, Christie-Davies and Millar on the scoresheet.

[Allan]

The Flashscores update was incorrect, it was Larouci who scored the second goal, not Christie-Davies.

 

Offal Report

 

Yasser Larouci scored a goal to remember as Liverpool U23s came from a goal down to beat Hertha BSC 3-1 in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday night.

 

After the heavy defeat to Villarreal in their opening fixture, Neil Critchley's side bounced back in style against their German opponents.

 

Germany World Cup legend Jurgen Klinsmann was amongst the crowd in Kirkby to watch his son Jonathan play in goal for Hertha BSC.

 

Things didn't start well for the young Reds when they fell behind to a third minute goal when Maurice Covic pounced to beat Caoimhin Kelleher.

 

Glen McAuley levelled for the young Reds from close range. The goal owed much to the work of Lazar Markovic who was clean through on goal, and he squared the ball to McAuley for a tap-in.

 

Larouci then made it a 2-1 with a fantastic curled finish into the top corner of the net from the left side of the penalty area.

 

Substitute Liam Millar came off the bench to make sure of the victory when he slotted home the third goal just after the break following good work from McAuley.

 

Reflecting on the win, Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com: "The lads did really well tonight and it was a deserved win.

 

"We showed an excellent response and great character to going a goal down so early on, and we responded really well.

 

"We showed a lot of bravery in our play and it was a very pleasing.

 

"Yasser scored a brilliant goal and we could have got a lot more in the second half."

 

Liverpool U23s: Kelleher, Hoever, Johnston, Masterson, R Williams, Coyle, Markovic (Millar), Chirivella (Lewis), McAuley (Duncan), Christie-Davies, Larouci.

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Glatzel hat-trick sends U18s into PL Cup last eight

Paul Glatzel grabbed a hat-trick as Liverpool U18s rubber-stamped their place in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup with a 3-0 win over Group B rivals Southampton at the Academy on Saturday, writes Dominic Raynor.

Having already beaten Stoke City 4-2 and Reading 6-0 in their opening two matches, Barry Lewtas' side were all but through as group winners; only defeat and an eight-goal swing could have knocked them off top spot.

But the young Reds sealed their progress in style on a rain-swept morning in Kirkby as Glatzel converted from the penalty spot just before the break and added two more during the final 15 minutes of the match to secure a comfortable victory.

Liverpool started well, with Abdi Sharif finding space between the lines and the No.7 mustered the first two shots of the tie. His second, a snap hit from the edge of the box with 13 minutes gone, was turned smartly around the post by the alert Southampton goalkeeper.

The Saints No.1 was called into action again moments later to deny Leighton Clarkson, whose dipping free-kick stung his hands.

The Reds midfielder remained eager to carry the fight to the visitors and when he next picked the ball up, he drove at the opposition defence and fired a low, 20-yard shot just wide of the left post.

It felt like a goal was coming for the hosts and, after Fidel O'Rourke and Jake Cain had both been denied, it duly arrived with 43 minutes gone.

Glatzel tussled with his marker to control a high ball in the box and was hauled down. The No.9 picked himself up, dusted himself down and dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom corner to give his side the lead.

The second half started much as the first had finished as the Reds continued to pepper the Southampton goal, Sharif and Glatzel testing the ‘keeper with long-range efforts within the first 10 minutes of the restart.

Then, after striking the side-netting of Vitezslav Jaros' goal on the counter-attack, Saints rallied and enjoyed their best spell of the match as substitute Enzo Robise brought added pace and guile on the left flank.

His tricky play won a free-kick just outside the box after 67 minutes, but he fired the effort high and wide.

Liverpool responded through Glatzel, who twice went close before getting the second goal his attacking endeavour deserved.

Bobby Duncan played his fellow forward into the box on 74 minutes, allowing the striker to turn and fire into the back of the net for 2-0.

And his hat-trick goal followed 10 minutes later when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box.

Left-back Remi Savage made one of his forward forays and appeared to be felled as he cut into the opposition area. As the young defender appealed for a penalty, Glatzel pounced on the ball and lifted a shot over the advancing ‘keeper as he was falling backwards to make it 3-0.

Lewtas' U18s now go into the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup, along with five other group winners and the two best runners-up.

 

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/academy/329201-liverpool-u18s-southampton-premier-league-cup

 

In other news, this afternoon's reserve game:

Liverpool 4 (Markovic 9, Camacho 44, Millar 74, 76) Arsenal 1 (John-Jules 11)

 

Team reportedly

Grabara; Hoever, Juanma, Johnston, Masterson, Coyle, Chirivella, Lewis, Christie-Davies, Camacho, Markovic (Millar 46).

 

 

[alles ist gut]

Millar hits double as U23s put four past Arsenal

 

Substitute Liam Millar scored a second-half brace as Liverpool U23s beat Arsenal 4-1 in Saturday's Premier League 2 clash at the Academy, writes Dominic Raynor.

Neil Critchley's side started the day a point below the sixth-placed visitors but leapfrogged the Gunners in the table with the victory.

It was a slick-passing Arsenal that had enjoyed the best of the opening exchanges only to find their route to goal blocked by a solid Reds defence.

And when the chance came, Liverpool took the lead with their first attack.

Lazar Markovic raced onto a long ball over the defence in the 10th minute and although his first touch took him slightly wide of the goal, the Serb managed to slot his finish past the sprawling goalkeeper and just inside the near post.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as the away side levelled almost instantly, Tyreece John-Jules sneaking in around the back of the Liverpool defence to prod home past Kamil Grabara.

Playing a 3-4-3 formation, the Gunners outnumbered the Reds' three men in midfield and enjoyed plenty of possession, without being able to find a second goal.

Liverpool midfielder Liam Coyle grew into the game, cajoling and marshalling his teammates as it wore on, and after Rafael Camacho had brought a good save out of goalkeeper Deyan Iliev on the half-hour, the Reds finished the half strongly.

But they were indebted to a brilliant stop from Grabara on 44 minutes as the Pole was at full stretch to turn Bukayo Saka's curling shot around the foot of the far post.

And Liverpool's response was perfect; Coyle hit a wonderful pass forward to Isaac Christie-Davies, who crossed into the box for Camacho to sweep home from the penalty spot and make it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time.

Millar joined the action at the break and the hosts started the second half on the front foot, with the Canada international often providing an outlet ball and wing-backs Adam Lewis and Ki-Jana Hoever playing in more advanced positions.

Dutch youth international Hoever, who had an effort bundled past the post as the Reds pushed forward with renewed vigour, would go on to have a defining influence on the match.

It was his brilliant interception on the halfway line that led to Millar's first goal.

After winning the ball, Hoever raced forward and played in Camacho, who drew out the ‘keeper and passed square for his second-half strike partner to slot home after 75 minutes.

Moments later, Hoever was at it again, this time breaking up an Arsenal attack deep in his own half and spraying the ball forward to Pedro Chirivella.

The Spanish midfielder spotted Millar's run on the left and lofted the ball over the Gunners defence for the forward to cut in from the flank and curl a wonderful effort past Iliev and inside the far post.

"Over the course of this week I'm very proud of how the players have played," Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com.

"It's been a tough week physically for them and that showed in the first half when Arsenal had the better of the play, but we defended well and were always a threat on the break. The second half changed in our favour, we scored two great goals on the counter and Liam did brilliantly well, we're pleased for him. The whole team, though, were magnificent and showed a brilliant collective spirit and mental strength."

 

Liverpool U23s: Grabara, Hoever, Juanma, Masterson (R. Williams), Johnston, Coyle, Camacho (McAuley), Chirivella, Markovic (Millar), Christie-Davies, Lewis.

Unused substitutes: McKenzie-Lyle, N. Williams.

 

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/academy/329203-liverpool-u23s-arsenal-premier-league-2

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UEFA Youth League vs. Napoli, 1 p.m., St. Helens, (BT Sport 2/UEFA.com):

 

Jaros; N.Williams, Lewis, R. Williams, Hoever, Coyle, Cain, Jones, Camacho, Glatzel, Millar.

Subs : Kelly, Boyes, Clayton, Clarkson, Dixon-Bonner, Longstaff, Duncan.

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Still 0-0 after 30 minutes, we’ve had all the possession and all of the chances, but we haven’t made it count yet.

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Finally 1-0: Camacho puts in the rebound after Jones had a shot blocked.

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Millar has the ball in the net but the assistant rules it out for offside.

Fortunately his next touch is to convert from close range for 2-0 after their keeper can only parry a Camacho cross.

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Halftime 2-0.

We should be further ahead, really, Millar has missed a couple of easy chances and Jones has squandered opportunities. Jaros has touched the ball three times in total, and Napoli await their first shot at goal.

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Glatzel smashes one home from 12 yards out for 3-0 just two minutes into the second half.

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Now Curtis Jones takes advantage of slack marking to make it 4-0 from just inside the box.

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Subs ; Morgan Boyes for Adam Lewis at left-back, Leighton Clarkson for Liam Coyle in midfield, Luis Longstaff for Rafael Camacho on the wing.

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Still 4-0, 20 minutes left.

Duncan on for Glatzel.

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10 minutes to go, Cain off for Dixon-Bonner.

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5-0, Duncan with the clean left-footed strike from 20 yards out.

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Full time 5-0.

Even allowing for the lack of effort from the opposition (shots on target : 0; corners: 0), that was about the right result. 

 

As group winners, we will get a home tie in the last 16 against a team coming from the playoffs between the group runners-up and the national champions. Hopefully it won’t be Chelsea.

[Guest]

Sixteen-year-old Ki-Jana Hoever had a day to remember as he trained with the Liverpool first team last week.

 

Hoever has caught the eye playing for the club’s youth sides and Jurgen Klopp asked him to join senior training at Melwood.

 

While it would be bold even by Klopp’s standards to expect Hoever to start against Manchester United on Sunday, his rise through the ranks at Liverpool has taken place at remarkable speed.

 

Who is he?

Hoever joined Liverpool this summer from Ajax, completing his move in September once he was granted international clearance, and he bears all the hallmarks of a Dutch youth prospect.

 

Born in Amsterdam, Hoever started his time at Liverpool in Barry Lewtas’ Under-18s, playing in the U18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League. He was called up to the Under-23s last month and shone in his debut against league leaders Everton at Goodison Park.

 

Hoever has already been called up to the Netherlands Under-17 squad, scoring three goals in five games. Not bad for a defender.

 

Where does he play?

Hoever has featured predominantly as a right-back so far but can also play in the centre. It’s hard to think of many better mentors than fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk at centre back, and Hoever will have no doubt enjoyed linking up with him at first team training last week.

 

He played further up the pitch on his Under-23 debut at Everton, as a right-winger, showing the typical versatility of an Ajax academy graduate.

 

What’s being said?

 

“Unbelievable. Sixteen. Wow,” was the assessment of Liverpool Under-23 boss Neil Critchley following his recent debut.

 

“Considering he played in the week as well…He tired towards the end, which was understandable. But I thought his calmness and assurance, his decision-making, his intelligence without the ball, it was terrific.

 

“Playing against a good player, I was very impressed with him indeed.”

Under-18s manager Barry Lewtas also praised Hoever’s maturity but tried to temper expectations around the youngster.

 

“We are all keeping our feet on the floor with him. He’s still got a lot to do, sometimes you can ride the wave when you first get into teams, but he knows it’s a long process.

 

“He’s very mature, he’s a good boy and he knows he’s got lots to improve on.”

[alles ist gut]

 

 

Trained with the seniors at Melwood again today.

[aRdja]

8 hours ago, cinco veces said:

 

 

Trained with the seniors at Melwood again today.

He looks big for a 16 year old.

[Pidge]

Phillips and Masterson involved at all?

[alles ist gut]

3 hours ago, Pidge said:

Phillips and Masterson involved at all?

Can't see either of them in the limited number of pics.

[Allan]

The 23s travel to South Wales to take on Swansea this evening. Kick off at 19:00 with live coverage on the offal from 18:30.

 

It'll be interesting to see who is in the lineup tonight, as the 18s host Portsmouth tomorrow evening in the FA Youth Cup.

[alles ist gut]

Kelleher; N. Williams, Juanma, Johnston, Masterson, Coyle, Christie-Davies, Chirivella, Lewis, Jones, Millar.

Subs : McKenzie-Lyle, Savage, Ritaccio, McAuley.

[Allan]

Half time - Swansea 0 Liverpool 0

 

Quite a physical encounter this. Neither side really controlling the game, but we've created the better chances and could perhaps have taken the lead when Chirivella headed wide when the home keeper was stranded off his line.