Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders has lauded our Academy and claimed that success for us is not only trophies, but the number of top players who progress through our ranks – unlike almost every club on earth.
This term, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become a first-team regular, while Ben Woodburn is very close and has earned senior caps for Wales.
Our Under-23s are top of Premier League 2 and our Under-19s are flying through their UEFA Youth League qualification group under Steven Gerrard’s expert guidance.
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Pepijn Lijnders labels Reds youngster as ‘one of most all-round talents in Europe’
In fact, since the likes of Michael Owen and Gerrard broke through at the turn of the century, there hasn’t been a more exciting time in terms of the potential of our youngsters.
Lijnders works closely with the first-team but also the Academy – and has lauded the obvious ‘pathway’ through our various teams.
“There are a few clubs in the world, only a few, where success is not determined by just trophies, it’s trophies and homegrown players. Liverpool is one of them, in my opinion,” he told the official website.
“I come from a coaching culture where you produce, you produce and you produce and what you don’t have, you buy. Sometimes I have the feeling in England it’s the opposite.
“I believe in it, I believe the Academy is a big advantage for us. These two boys and many others are on the right way.
“Everybody always speaks about the future but it can’t come quick enough, in my opinion! It’s a new generation knocking on the door and we open the door constantly, I think, so there’s a pathway.
“It’s a must for Liverpool – not just to create players but to win prizes with them.
“Anfield is screaming for these players, they have everything and they give answers if you let them.
“We are really pleased that they are part of our structure and part of our ambition.”
The player we actually have most hope for right now is Rhian Brewster.
The 17-year-old scored eight goals as England U17s won the World Cup in October and won the Golden Boot in the process.
He’s lightning quick, skilful and can finish with either foot.
If Brewster, Trent and Woodburn realise their potential, Liverpool could have three of the most exciting players in the Premier League on our books in just a few years’ time.