Youth Team/Cup

[alles ist gut]

LFC 1-0 (McConnell 60’)

 

Originally credited to Beck by the local commentators.

[alles ist gut]

Full time 1-0

 

A win’s a win. Good to see Hill get more time on the pitch, and maybe more significant is the ten minutes that James Balagizi got; if he were healthy, he’d be nearer a viable squad midfielder than anyone in todays team.

 

We finish the Under-21 season a distant second to Man City; we should take some credit for coping with having no serious right-back for all bar three weeks of Ramsay, and a long stretch of having no healthy central striker.

[DaveT]

10 minutes ago, alles ist gut said:

Full time 1-0

 

A win’s a win. Good to see Hill get more time on the pitch, and maybe more significant is the ten minutes that James Balagizi got; if he were healthy, he’d be nearer a viable squad midfielder than anyone in todays team.

 

We finish the Under-21 season a distant second to Man City; we should take some credit for coping with having no serious right-back for all bar three weeks of Ramsay, and a long stretch of having no healthy central striker.

Yeah, much rather see Balagizi on the bench later this afternoon, than Bobby Clarke, as is looking possible. 

[alles ist gut]

Quote

Elijah Gift scored a hat-trick as Liverpool U18s beat Leicester City 6-1 in a friendly at the Academy on Saturday afternoon.

Ranel Young also netted twice for the young Reds in the contest and was joined on the scoresheet by Keyrol Figueroa.

Liverpool U18s: Mrozek, Pitt, Gyimah, Furnell-Gill, Pinnington, Kelly, Gift, Onanuga, Figueroa, Pennington, Young.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/elijah-gift-nets-hat-trick-liverpool-u18s-beat-leicester-friendly

 

In other Gift news, he's been selected by Spain for their preliminary squad (26, has to be cut to 20 next week) for the European Under-17s Championships later this month :

https://rfef.es/es/noticias/convocatoria-de-la-sub-17-para-el-europeo-de-hungria

[John102]

 

 

Unfortunately for Bearne and O'Rourke, their spells on loan in the National League weren't enough to save them.

 

On a slightly more serious note, that is 2 consecutive summers that Olufunwa has been released from a club. Im sure when he signed he must have been realistic and known he was largely in for numbers at that level, but still. 

[John102]

Sepp Van den Berg picked up another injury, to cap an awful season, missing the Euro U21s as a result.

[Allan]

 

[Allan]

 

[YorkshireRed]

An interesting, although lengthy, read from The Athletic…

 

Alex Inglethorpe is looking back over a productive season for Liverpool’s academy when a smile creeps across his face.

“My abiding memory would probably be watching James Milner working with our under-14s one night in March when we had heavy snow,” he says.

“After the session, he was teaching the boys how to do sit-ups properly as he had noticed a few of them not doing it right. It was freezing. I was like, ‘Wow, there’s dedication and then there’s dedication’.

 

“Millie has been an incredible role model and example for all the young players. Our under-14s, 15s and 16s all had the pleasure of his company over the past two years as he set about completing his coaching badges. He’ll be missed.”

 

The academy manager has just returned to his office after making the short walk across to the training centre to say goodbye to long-serving vice-captain Milner, who is joining Brighton & Hove Albion with his Liverpool contract expiring this month.

 

During 45 minutes in Inglethorpe’s company, a wide range of topics are covered — from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role to Curtis Jones’ resurgence, the rise of Stefan Bajcetic and the exciting potential of Ben Doak. He also explains the “four elements” which define the work of the academy, why flash cars and fancy watches are off-limits there, and why less is more when it comes to the overall number of youngsters learning their trade under him.

 

Alexander-Arnold is the poster boy of Liverpool’s academy.

 

At the age of 24, he has clocked up 273 appearances for his boyhood club and won a stack of medals. However, he had to deal with plenty of adversity throughout last season, with his form under scrutiny as Liverpool struggled.

 

He was re-energised on the run-in after manager Jurgen Klopp moved him into a new hybrid role. Still the team’s right-back when Liverpool defended, he stepped into midfield alongside Fabinho when they were in possession. He provided seven assists and scored once in 10 games after this positional shift.

 

“In a perverse kind of way, I enjoyed watching Trent this season more than in any other,” says Inglethorpe, who has a close bond with Alexander-Arnold.

 

“This was arguably the biggest bump in the road he’s had. It’s been one where he’s had the most critique around his game. It’s been the season where he’s had to show the most character. He will learn a lot from it. It wasn’t an outstanding season for him in terms of medals and trophies, but it was in how he’s had to overcome some serious criticism. I enjoyed seeing how he’s responded to that, how he dug deep and answered some of the questions asked of him.”

 

Inglethorpe wasn’t surprised by the ease at which he adapted — Alexander-Arnold used to play in midfield for Liverpool Under-16s when they were managed by Klopp’s now first-team assistant, Pep Lijnders.

 

“One of the great things with Trent when he was coming through was that he played as a full-back, centre-half, right-wing, midfield… It was never nailed down to one position,” he says.

 

“We settled on right-back because we felt there was an opportunity there for him to go into the first-team squad and make an impact. He’s a talented footballer who could approach a lot of positions on the pitch and be successful.

 

“Some people need to have a number tattooed on their back (as that’s the only position they can play), I’m not sure Trent does.”

 

It was some turnaround for Jones. His 2022-23 season was largely wrecked by a stress response in his shinbone and by the end of March he had made just two starts in all competitions.

 

Klopp handed him a recall for the trip to Chelsea in early April and he never looked back. He ended the campaign by making 11 consecutive top-flight starts — the longest run of his Liverpool career. The technically-gifted 22-year-old midfielder grew in stature, getting a goal in the dramatic 4-3 Anfield win over Tottenham and then twice scoring in the 3-0 victory away to Leicester.

 

“Curtis more than played his part towards the back-end of the season and showed everyone what he can do,” Inglethorpe says.

“The team playing a slightly different way, with Trent’s role changing, helped Curtis. His ability to play on the side or the middle of the pitch makes him really attractive. The system allowed Curtis to play as more of a hybrid midfield player — sometimes on the side as a winger, other times in the middle, other times arriving into the box, sometimes dropping deeper.

 

“People forget how young Curtis is. He’s only 22 but he’s played close to 100 games (97) for Liverpool. He’s only going to get better. He’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s really strong. All the pieces of the jigsaw are in the box. Carrying on that analogy, it takes a bit of time to put it all together. Not everyone is going to be able to show exactly what they can do at 19.”

 

If Alexander-Arnold and Jones had their struggles in 2022-23, it proved to be a remarkable breakthrough campaign for Bajcetic.

 

After being included in the first-team squad for the pre-season tour to Asia, the Spain youth international forced his way into Klopp’s plans. The manager described him as “a joy to work with”. Bajcetic went on to clock up 19 senior appearances — a figure that would have been higher but for the thigh injury that ended his season in March.

The now 18-year-old cost just £224,000 when his move from Spain’s Celta Vigo went through in January 2021. Inglethorpe was heavily involved in the decision to turn him into a holding midfielder having played predominantly at centre-back previously.

 

“I remember speaking to Stefan about it when we played Atletico Madrid away in the UEFA Youth League (in October 2021),” he says.

“We had a conversation about where he saw himself and where I saw him. With most young players, unless you get everyone aligned, it tends not to work. It was an easy sell. His dad, who was a player himself, saw him as a midfielder and Stefan was really open to the idea.

 

“The decision was based on his profile and attributes. I’m not sure he would have been suited to being a centre-half in the Premier League. We started playing him there last year with the intention that would give him the best possible way of progressing into senior football.

 

“But I don’t think you ever really know how someone is going to do until they step foot on a pitch in front of 50,000 or 60,000 people. You might really admire an academy player but there’s always a bit of you that reserves judgment until they’re out there with the seniors. Anyone who says differently is lying.”

Bajcetic’s rise is a source of inspiration for those academy youngsters he once played alongside. The upcoming pre-season will provide a stage for others to step up and catch Klopp’s eye in similar fashion.

“Absolutely. No one could have possibly anticipated at the start of the season Stefan playing 19 times,” Inglethorpe adds.

“One of the hard parts of being an academy player is you have got to be ready every single day without knowing when your chance will arrive. You go to bed at the right time, you eat the right food, you think the right thoughts (all) in the hope that’s the day you get called up and given your opportunity.

“That’s the hard bit. You have to live the life without knowing when your name is going to get called.”

 

Doak has enjoyed an excellent first season at Liverpool following his £600,000 move from Celtic.

The 17-year-old Scottish winger’s performances lit up the UEFA Youth League as he contributed four goals and four assists in eight matches. Doak also showcased his fearless nature during five substitute appearances for the first team, including two in the Premier League, and is expected to feature more next season.

 

“I love him. He’s got an infectious personality and I like watching him play,” Inglethorpe says. “He’s the type of wide player who gets at you. I’m not sure as a full-back you’d enjoy the experience of facing him. He likes going one-v-one and he’s relentless.

“We all accept his game needs to develop and there are loads of things he needs to get better at, but he’s exciting. I’m delighted with his first year.”

 

Academy youngsters Bobby Clark, Layton Stewart and Melkamu Frauendorf also graced the first team at various points.

 

“If you look at why we’re here, you’d say that the amount of exposure our young players had over the course of the season was fantastic,” Inglethorpe says. “We have to give a lot of credit to the first-team staff who made that happen.”

 

The academy’s mission is clear: develop players capable of helping Liverpool win trophies. But it goes deeper than that.

With the bar set so high, it is about ensuring those who do not quite make the grade with them are sold on for significant sums which can then be reinvested.

Neco Williams, who had been at the club since the age of six, went to Nottingham Forest for £17m last summer. Harry Wilson (£12m, Fulham), Rhian Brewster (£23.5m, Sheffield United), Ryan Kent (£7.5m, Rangers) and Danny Ward (£12.5m, Leicester) are among the others who have left for sizeable fees in recent years.

 

“There are four elements to what we do — four ways in which we judge ourselves,” Inglethorpe says. “The first element is to supply the first team with players capable of playing Champions League football. That’s important — look at Stefan. The second element is to try to create a value, because all the money from selling players goes back into supporting the first team.

 

“The third element is helping players. There’s maybe not a value to the club in terms of the balance sheet, but there’s a source of great pride when you look at the team sheets each weekend and see a lot of boys who have been through here playing in the football pyramid. The fourth element involves those players who leave the academy and don’t get employment as a footballer. You want to see them succeed and thrive in life, and you want the academy to have played a part in helping them.”

 

That fourth part is a topic close to Inglethorpe’s heart. He launched the club’s alumni project in 2020, to provide greater support to those who have moved on.

The programme has helped former players secure coaching and scouting qualifications, as well as providing financial advice. For the first time this summer, youngsters released by Liverpool are being offered independent psychological support to help them come to terms with leaving the club.

 

“If you spent a week here, you’d be astounded by how many ex-players come through the door,” Inglethorpe says.

“Another lot have just started their UEFA B (coaching) badge, including Ryan McLaughlin and Stephen Sama. We’ve got Jordan Lussey and Nathan Quirk in at the minute doing some coaching with us. Jack Walls is working for the LFC Foundation.

 

“Whether it’s to do a course, get some advice or just to say hello, I love it when they come back. We’re very lucky that these boys still see us as being relevant to their lives. I’m really proud of our alumni project and I’m sure it’s going to grow and grow. The intention is that, eventually, one of our alumni runs it.”

 

On a similar theme, Alexander-Arnold announced in April that he is launching the After Academy, an initiative focused on providing career opportunities to youngsters across England who have been released by club academies. Run in conjunction with the Professional Footballers’ Association (effectively the players’ trade union in England), Alexander-Arnold is funding the project himself.

 

“To have such a moral compass at such a young age is amazing,” Inglethorpe says. “Trent recognises that he’s one of the few who is fortunate enough that his life has changed significantly through football. He has the empathy to realise he’s in a small minority. A lot of the boys he came through the academy with are not living the same life. That adjustment isn’t easy. Trent wants to do something to help and that’s to be applauded.”

 

Teenage winger Kaide Gordon burst onto the scene in 2021-22. At 17 years and 96 days, he became the youngest player to score for Liverpool in the FA Cup when he netted on his home debut, against Shrewsbury Town, in the January.

 

A Premier League bow soon followed but then his progress was cruelly halted by pain in his pelvis. He missed the whole of last season after being diagnosed with adolescent musculoskeletal issues (growing pains).

“It’s been a really difficult season for Kaide. Possibly even harder given where he was when he got his injury,” Inglethorpe says. “But I’ve kept in touch with Kaide regularly throughout and I’d back him to find a way back to where he was. He’s certainly got the character to do that.

 

“As hard as it is, he probably just needs to reintegrate into the under-21s in pre-season, find his feet and see how he is. He’s got to learn to trust his body again and get his rhythm back. After that, anything is possible.”

 

Injuries, loan moves and players being promoted to either the first-team squad or Barry Lewtas’ under-21s contributed to Liverpool Under-18s fielding younger than usual line-ups for most of last season.

They finished sixth (out of 13) in the north section of their Under-18 Premier League, were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the last-16 stage by Ipswich Town and beaten by Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals. For Inglethorpe, though, the bigger picture is more important than match results.

 

“We played a lot of our under-16s in the 18s from early on, and that was a conscious decision,” he says.

 

“What was arguably our best under-18s team on paper never shared a pitch together. You could have had a back four of Isaac Mabaya, Wellity Lucky, Terence Miles and Calum Scanlon, with Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark and James McConnell in midfield and, say, Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas up top.

 

“Where we regularly had a strong team out was in the UEFA Youth League. Had we decided to keep that team together, I’ve got no doubt we would have progressed to the semis and perhaps the final.

“However, Jarell Quansah (who moved to Bristol Rovers of League One on loan in January) and Luke Chambers (loaned to Kilmarnock in the Scottish top flight in the same window) needed to get games. Stefan couldn’t play any more in the competition as he had played in the Champions League for the first team. There were good reasons why that team broke up.”

 

The loan system worked well for Liverpool, with right-back Conor Bradley blossoming at Bolton Wanderers as they made the play-offs in League One (English football’s third tier) and midfielder Tyler Morton shining one division higher for Blackburn Rovers.

 

“Conor, Tyler and Luke, I’d say that’s three great examples of how loans can really help development if you find the right club,” Inglethorpe says. “All three played a significant number of minutes. They will be of interest to the first team (for next season) or go out (on new loans) and gain further experience. It’s a good feeling when you see boys like that coping at senior level. You think, ‘We might really have something here’.”

As well as player development, the progression of academy staff is another source of pride.

 

Former Liverpool Under-21s assistant coach Gary O’Neil followed in the footsteps of Michael Beale, Neil Critchley and Steven Gerrard when he moved into senior management at Bournemouth early last season. Liverpool Under-18s assistant coach Tim Jenkins joined O’Neil’s backroom staff and together they did a remarkable job in guiding the promoted club to Premier League safety.

 

“Gary took over there at a really difficult time (Scott Parker was sacked in the wake of a 9-0 defeat at Anfield in late August). He had to navigate his way through a change of ownership and a period where he couldn’t change the squad prior to the (January) window,” Inglethorpe says. “The job he’s done at Bournemouth has been outstanding. There’s an argument that his name should have been in the conversation for manager of the year.

 

“I’m sure Gary would say that Jenks going there was a really positive addition to his staff. It was also a huge loss to us. Jenks was here for many years and will have a very bright future in the game. It was no surprise to me that they avoided relegation with relative ease given the quality of the people they brought in.”

 

It’s nearly nine years since Inglethorpe took charge of Liverpool’s academy.

During that period, the overall number of youngsters on the club’s books has reduced from around 240 to 180.

 

Inglethorpe has sought to address the ‘too much, too soon’ culture of English football. First-year professionals at Liverpool receive a basic salary of £52,000 per year once they turn 17. Contracts are heavily incentivised to ensure progress is rewarded.

 

“I’m not embarrassed to offer them what I offer them. I’m sure there are clubs out there who offer a lot more, but I don’t think we’ve struggled to recruit top talent into the academy,” he says. “If it’s obvious you’re going to be playing for the under-21s then you get a slightly different contract on your 18th birthday. If you go out on loan, like Tyler Morton in the Championship, of course we don’t want to underpay so you get a better contract again.

 

“It’s designed to align with what you’re doing, not what you say you are going to do. I don’t believe you should give them it all on their first contract. That doesn’t make much sense to me. I don’t think you should have boys on £10,000 per week in the under-21s, driving around in huge cars.

 

“It’s about safeguarding and mental health.

“If you can’t survive on £52,000 a year at 17, then there’s a problem. In life, normally, the older you get, the more responsibility you get, you earn a bit more. If the most you’ve ever earned, the best car you’ve ever driven or the best flat you’ve ever lived in was at 17, that would be a hard one to get your head around.”

 

The club’s education programme for their youngsters includes advice on how to spend the money they are paid wisely. It’s partly about creating the right impression when the opportunity comes to step up and train with Klopp’s squad.

 

“The boys know that if they drive in here with something we don’t approve of, they won’t be able to park it here,” Inglethorpe says. “Thankfully, they’ve all been sensible. Part of that is down to the education we provide them with. It’s about perception.

 

“If you’ve done 10 years of hard graft to get that first audition, it doesn’t make much sense that you fail it based on your choice of car. You don’t want a first-team player or staff member getting the wrong impression based on the car you drive, the watch you wear or the trainers you’ve got on.”

 

Whereas some clubs stockpile youngsters, Inglethorpe has sought to trim the size of Liverpool’s youth squads. For him, it’s about focusing the attention on those deemed to have the most potential. He is keen to ensure nobody is given any false hope.

 

“We’re down to around 180 boys, and it will continue to drop,” he adds. “You have to be careful. For example, the rules say you’re allowed to hand out up to 30 scholarships over the two-year period. That would be a lot of disappointed boys come the end of it.

 

“You can’t on the one hand say we have to be mindful of people’s mental health and wellbeing, and then in the next breath take 30 boys in the knowledge that, at some point, 15 or more of them are going to need to leave.

“We have to take a bit more responsibility as an industry to make better decisions early on. That leads to a bigger conversation around identifying players and the amount of time we have them here. From the age of nine, you might be here four times a week. For parents who have two kids here, that can be a seven-day-a-week commitment. You owe it to them to make good decisions.”

 

Milner’s time at Kirkby may have come to an end but academy staff can still call upon some vastly experienced mentors. Former Liverpool duo Rob Jones and Steve McManaman regularly help out, while Michael Thomas and John Barnes have added their expertise.

 

“Rob and Steve have been stalwarts over the years,” Inglethorpe says. “Michael has been an incredible appointment. His personality is infectious. He comes in most evenings and goes away on tours with the younger age groups. You could make a strong argument that he’s been one of the best appointments the academy has made over the years.

 

“In addition to that, part of John Barnes’ role as a club ambassador is to be around the academy. We played PSG recently at under-14s and under-15s and he spoke to the boys after which was great for them. It’s wonderful that these people want to put something back.

 

“I genuinely love what I do working with the staff here. The reason I get out of bed in the morning and put the hours in is because I look around this place and I see boys who will play for our first team, no doubt about that.”

[John102]

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/academy

 

The profiles for the first year scholar are up, if you are interested in such things.

[sir roger]

[Allan]

Under 18s - Liverpool 1 Valencia 1

Liverpool U18s began their participation in this week's SuperCupNI with a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Monday night.

 

A good crowd at the Ballymena Showgrounds in Northern Ireland saw both goals arrive in the second half, with the Reds taking the lead through a tremendous Keyrol Figueroa strike before Joaquim Utges levelled for the Spanish outfit.

 

It was therefore a point apiece to start the four-team group, and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side next meet Manchester United at Coleraine Showgrounds on Wednesday night.

 

The first half was dominated by a number of Valencia chances, but it did not start out that way. A mistake in the opposition defence saw the ball run to Figueroa within the first two minutes but his strong shot was just too high.

 

The young striker was involved again shortly afterwards, leaping well to meet Joe Bradshaw’s free-kick but unable to keep his effort under the crossbar.

 

Liverpool goalkeeper Nathan Morana handled a couple of shots comfortably from range before needing to make a better low save after a defensive error handed Valencia the ball inside the box.

 

The Spanish side were dominating territory now, setting traps for the young Reds, who created a few problems for themselves as they tried to play out.

 

Halfway through the period, a ball from the back opened up the Liverpool defence, leaving Pablo Lopez one on one with Morana – but he blazed his shot too high.

 

Bridge-Wilkinson made four changes at the break with three games in five days to plan for, though it was a Valencia substitute who had the first chance as David Martinez curled just wide.

 

But it was not long before Figueroa had his moment, unleashing a superb strike from all of 25 yards that left Raul Jimenez grasping at thin air and put Liverpool in front.

 

Kieran Morrison’s arrival from the bench saw him combine with Trent Kone-Doherty and cause problems, while Morana stopped a strong drive from Lopez.

The Reds’ advantage lasted just 11 minutes, however. Lopez found space down the left and his pass was picked up in a dangerous area by Utges, who blasted low past Morana.

 

Both teams had good chances to win the game in the final stages. Kareem Ahmed set up Cody Pennington, who side-stepped a defender but struck over the bar with just the ’keeper to beat.

 

For Valencia, the influential Lopez sent a spectacular effort against the underside of the bar, and Liverpool then could have won it with the last touch.

 

Excellent work down the left from Josh Davidson was followed by a cross that found Figueroa alone in front of goal, but he headed too high.

 

The shared points between the Reds and Valencia means Hertha BSC top the early standings having beaten United 2-1 in the other group game of the night.

 

Liverpool U18s: Morana, Gyimah (Davidson, 45), Esdaille, Osborne (Pinnington, 45), Furnell-Gill, Kelly, Bradshaw (Morrison, 45), Pennington, Kone-Doherty, Danns (Ahmed, 45), Figueroa.

 

Here's Figueroa's strike:
 

 

[No2]

1 hour ago, Allan said:

Under 18s - Liverpool 1 Valencia 1

Liverpool U18s began their participation in this week's SuperCupNI with a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Monday night.

 

A good crowd at the Ballymena Showgrounds in Northern Ireland saw both goals arrive in the second half, with the Reds taking the lead through a tremendous Keyrol Figueroa strike before Joaquim Utges levelled for the Spanish outfit.

 

It was therefore a point apiece to start the four-team group, and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side next meet Manchester United at Coleraine Showgrounds on Wednesday night.

 

The first half was dominated by a number of Valencia chances, but it did not start out that way. A mistake in the opposition defence saw the ball run to Figueroa within the first two minutes but his strong shot was just too high.

 

The young striker was involved again shortly afterwards, leaping well to meet Joe Bradshaw’s free-kick but unable to keep his effort under the crossbar.

 

Liverpool goalkeeper Nathan Morana handled a couple of shots comfortably from range before needing to make a better low save after a defensive error handed Valencia the ball inside the box.

 

The Spanish side were dominating territory now, setting traps for the young Reds, who created a few problems for themselves as they tried to play out.

 

Halfway through the period, a ball from the back opened up the Liverpool defence, leaving Pablo Lopez one on one with Morana – but he blazed his shot too high.

 

Bridge-Wilkinson made four changes at the break with three games in five days to plan for, though it was a Valencia substitute who had the first chance as David Martinez curled just wide.

 

But it was not long before Figueroa had his moment, unleashing a superb strike from all of 25 yards that left Raul Jimenez grasping at thin air and put Liverpool in front.

 

Kieran Morrison’s arrival from the bench saw him combine with Trent Kone-Doherty and cause problems, while Morana stopped a strong drive from Lopez.

The Reds’ advantage lasted just 11 minutes, however. Lopez found space down the left and his pass was picked up in a dangerous area by Utges, who blasted low past Morana.

 

Both teams had good chances to win the game in the final stages. Kareem Ahmed set up Cody Pennington, who side-stepped a defender but struck over the bar with just the ’keeper to beat.

 

For Valencia, the influential Lopez sent a spectacular effort against the underside of the bar, and Liverpool then could have won it with the last touch.

 

Excellent work down the left from Josh Davidson was followed by a cross that found Figueroa alone in front of goal, but he headed too high.

 

The shared points between the Reds and Valencia means Hertha BSC top the early standings having beaten United 2-1 in the other group game of the night.

 

Liverpool U18s: Morana, Gyimah (Davidson, 45), Esdaille, Osborne (Pinnington, 45), Furnell-Gill, Kelly, Bradshaw (Morrison, 45), Pennington, Kone-Doherty, Danns (Ahmed, 45), Figueroa.

 

Here's Figueroa's strike:
 

 

Keeper should get himself over to Saudi and pick up a couple of hands.

[sir roger]

Was it the goalie who filmed it ?

 

Trent Kone Doherty might be our midfield 3 this season.

[Allan]

Under 18s - Liverpool 1 Manchester United 0

Jayden Danns' excellent finish gave Liverpool U18s a 1-0 win over Manchester United in their second match at the SuperCupNI.

 

The first-half strike separated the sides in a tight tussle played in front of a sold-out crowd of around 3,500 spectators at Coleraine Showgrounds on Wednesday night.

 

And Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s Reds also had goalkeeper Kornel Misciur to thank after he made several good saves before the interval.

 

It was United who started faster, a superb run from Jack Moorhouse taking him all the way across the Liverpool defence but his shot was well saved by Misciur, who gathered the subsequent corner with similar confidence.

 

The summer arrival from Hull City was called into action once again a few minutes later, producing a stunning low save to deny Gabriele Biancheri.

 

A quarter of an hour in, Danns showed fine control to put the ball in the United net, only for the assistant referee to rule he had received the ball in an offside position.

 

A tight half ensued before the Reds took the lead five minutes from the break. United were caught trying to play out from the back and a quick pass put Danns in on goal and he made no mistake with a low finish.

 

The first opportunity of the second period fell to Liverpool’s goalscorer from their opening fixture of the tournament versus Valencia, with Keyrol Figueroa just leaning back on a good chance created by Kieran Morrison’s industry on the right and sending it too high.

 

Trent Kone-Doherty arrived from the bench to give the Reds an instant threat on the left but United were creating too, Ethan Williams firing just wide after build-up work from Ashton Missin.

 

Kone-Doherty was denied by a good tackle from Reece Munro as he darted into the box, before a superb ball from substitute Cody Pennington put Danns in and his flicked effort went narrowly over.

A Williams free-kick was headed narrowly wide by United as the game hung in the balance, with Josh Davidson winning some fine tackles in the middle of the pitch for Liverpool.

 

Kone-Doherty almost stretched the Reds’ lead with several good runs late on, while Missin fired wide for the opposition, and a single goal proved enough.

 

Bridge-Wilkinson’s charges – who sit second in the four-team group, behind Valencia on goals scored – will complete their SuperCupNI campaign against Hertha BSC at the same venue on Friday evening.

 

Liverpool U18s: Misciur, Pitt, Gyimah, Furnell-Gill, Pinnington, Davidson, Ahmed, Morrison (Pennington, 62), Figueroa (Esdaille, 80), Danns, Bradshaw (Kone-Doherty, 56).

[Allan]

The 18s kicked off their league campaign with a 4-2 win against Forest at The Academy on Saturday afternoon.

 

Offal Match Report

 

Liverpool U18s made a winning start to their new season with a 4-2 defeat of Nottingham Forest at the Academy on Saturday.

 

First-half finishes from Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas looked to have set the young Reds on course for three points to kick off the U18 Premier League North campaign.

 

Connor Brown won and converted a penalty shortly before half-time for Forest, though, and a solo run and strike from Jimmy Sinclair then brought them back on terms.

 

But Brown was later sent off and the hosts capitalised on the numerical advantage as Danns converted an 86th-minute penalty and Trent Kone-Doherty curled home a beauty to claim victory.

 

Liverpool made an assertive start to the match and their early pressure told with just 11 minutes on the clock.

 

Koumas’ driving run along the left edge of the Forest area carried him past his marker and an accurate cutback allowed Danns to smartly open up his body and place a fine finish inside the right-hand post.

 

The visitors almost responded immediately, with Carter Pinnington required to clear away from goal when Brown rounded Nathan Morana and shot.

 

It was soon a similar story at the other end as Danns pounced on a short backpass. He was tackled in the box but teed up Kieran Morrison, who was blocked by the goalkeeper. Koumas then followed up but his effort was diverted on the line by David Modupe.

 

Danns was inches away from a second when his header from an excellent Josh Davidson floated cross – after a slick one-two down the right – struck the bar and bounced away.

 

But the Reds’ advantage was doubled just before the half-hour mark. Kone-Doherty stole the ball from Henry Lister, surged into the area and set it back for Koumas to coolly sweep beyond Keehan Willows.

 

Moments later, Willows got a crucial touch on a vicious low drive from Kone-Doherty to turn it wide, before Forest halved their deficit six minutes before the break.

 

Brown got away from Wellity Lucky on the byline and despite the Reds’ protests, the latter was penalised for bringing down the former by the referee. Brown stepped up to take the kick from 12 yards and placed it just beyond the reach of Morana.

 

The away side’s momentum continued after the break and Isaac Davies scooped a shot over the bar when a cross from the left fell to him unmarked.

 

It was brief respite for Liverpool, however. Sinclair darted in from the flank and beat several opponents on his route into the area, before crashing a diagonal strike past Morana for 2-2.

 

Pinnington had to repeat his close-range block from the first half to prevent the now-buoyant Forest from getting in front, whole Afolami Onanuga struck too close to the goalkeeper having created space.

 

Forest were reduced to 10 players in minute 74 as Brown was shown a straight red card following a tackle and subsequent altercation with Onanuga.

 

The Reds set about trying to make the most of their personnel advantage and Kone-Doherty was so close with a low drive from around 14 yards that went past the far post.

 

But as time ticked away, Koumas was rashly challenged as he stepped into the box by Tony Gbopo and Danns calmly sent the ’keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

 

And Kone-Doherty fully ensured three points on matchday one for Liverpool with a pinpoint curler into the top corner in stoppage time.

 

TEAM

Liverpool U18s: Morana, Davidson, Gyimah, Lucky, Pinnington, Trueman (Pitt, 81), Koumas, Onanuga (Ahmed, 81), Danns, Morrison, Kone-Doherty.

Unused subs: Misciur, Furnell-Gill, Pennington.

[Allan]

The 21's get their Premier League 2 campaign off and running with a mini-derby at The Academy this evening.

 

Kick-off at 19:00, but there's no live coverage of the game unfortunately.

 

Tonight's line-up:

 

Pitaluga; Miles, Quansah, Chambers, Scanlon; Stephenson, McConnell, Clark; Musialowski, Cannonier, Norris.

 

Subs: Mrozek, Mabaya, Pilling, Hill, Frauendorf.

[Allan]

Liverpool 4 Everton 0

 

Goalscorers - Musialowski (52'), Miles (60'), Hill (83') & Clark (90+1')

 

The 21s are off to a terrific start to their Premier League 2 campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in the mini-derby.

 

Totally dominant throughout according to @IanDoyleSport over on Twitter. Despite the dominance, we went into the break goalless.

However, it took just 7 minutes of the second half to deservedly break the deadlock (Musialowski). The lead was doubled on the hour (Miles), with the 3rd scored in the 83rd minute (Hill) and the fourth scored in stoppage time (Clark).

 

 

 

[sir roger]

I've been pissed off for the last few days over the transfer chaos, but now I know we have a young guy called Wellity Lucky at the Academy I feel a lot better.

[CapeRed]

3 hours ago, Allan said:

Liverpool 4 Everton 0

 

Goalscorers - Musialowski (52'), Miles (60'), Hill (83') & Clark (90+1')

 

The 21s are off to a terrific start to their Premier League 2 campaign with a comprehensive 4-0 victory in the mini-derby.

 

Totally dominant throughout according to @IanDoyleSport over on Twitter. Despite the dominance, we went into the break goalless.

However, it took just 7 minutes of the second half to deservedly break the deadlock (Musialowski). The lead was doubled on the hour (Miles), with the 3rd scored in the 83rd minute (Hill) and the fourth scored in stoppage time (Clark).

 

 

 

Those 2nd half stats!! 

[CapeRed]

2 hours ago, sir roger said:

I've been pissed off for the last few days over the transfer chaos, but now I know we have a young guy called Wellity Lucky at the Academy I feel a lot better.

A future star with that name.

[John102]

Calvin Ramsey out for 8 weeks. Lad is really having a tough time of it.

[Allan]

Not a good day for the 18s as they were thumped 4-1 away at Leeds.

 

Leeds finished the game with 10 men, but were already 3-0 by that time.

 

Jayden Danns scored our consolation from the pelanty spot late in the game.

[John102]

Liverpool admit to ‘inadequate’ academy processes after player’s parents complaint

By Simon Hughes

25m ago

---

Liverpool have admitted failings in their academy system after being subjected to a formal complaint by the parents of a teenager who had been on their books.

The Merseyside club launched an internal investigation after being accused of failing to offer adequate mental health support to the boy and poor communication over his prospects of being kept on before he left the club last year.

The parents of the boy — who cannot be named by The Athletic as he is still a minor, but has now joined another club — also had concerns over Liverpool’s handling of an injury suffered by their son while his future at the club hung in the balance.

In addition, they queried the appropriateness of a relationship between long-serving academy director Alex Inglethorpe and Yvie Ryan, one of the academy’s psychologists, which, they felt, risked a conflict of interest in her duty of care to their son.

The parents only became aware that their son was not being offered a re-registration at Liverpool when they received an automated email from the Premier League confirming the news in September 2022, despite a senior academy director having informed them he would have to “fall off a cliff” not to be kept on just a few months previously.

Liverpool’s internal investigation, summarised in a 15-page report which has been seen by The Athletic and which the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, are aware of, admitted that some of its processes were “inadequate”. Club secretary Danny Stanway also offered the parents an apology for the “shock” caused by receiving the automated email, insisting it did not reflect Liverpool’s final position regarding his re-registration.

The club concluded that the player’s injury – a back problem sustained in February 2022 – was not misdiagnosed but acknowledged delays were incurred in securing him treatment after a GP’s referral letter went missing.

Liverpool insist that the boy was given access to mental health and wellbeing services, while the report deemed the relationship between Inglethorpe and Ryan was not “relevant” as Inglethorpe was not specifically involved in deciding whether to retain the player.

In the wake of Boy A’s case, the club claim that new “best practice” measures to handle the release of players have now been implemented “in full”.

The player’s mother, who relayed her concerns over Liverpool’s conduct to the Premier League, told The Athletic that her son’s behaviour has been severely affected by the manner of his departure from the club, which she claims has never been adequately explained.

“This means it has been difficult for him to learn where he went wrong and move on,” she said. “I’d just like proper answers.”

A Liverpool spokesperson said: “While we would not comment on individual matters relating to a minor, Liverpool Football Club takes its responsibilities in the development, welfare and safeguarding of young players extremely seriously.

“In any instances in which potential learnings become apparent or concerns raised, it is standard for a review to be undertaken and our processes adapted accordingly, if so applicable, in keeping with this commitment.”

[sir roger]

Clubs can always learn lessons, but I would wager that overall that the mental health of kids at Academies is far more affected by pressures put on them by parents living their lives vicariously through them.