Topic: So what are these Youth/Reserve Lads like?

[anky21]

I'm pretty certain those Guardiola quotes are made up. It's another case of Twitter causing bullshit to turn to fact. A guy (@anky21) tweeted some quotes that sound completely made up, Paul Tomkins RT'd it to his tens of thousands of followers, one of them from ESPN Deportes in America RTs it in Spanish after both of them and then (@anky21) uses that as the "source" when people question him. I saw it happen live yesterday.

Sorry mate, it was the other way around. I originally took the story from Facebook where it was posted on some page. I tweeted them in English, never thought it would take off like it did. The quotes from that Spanish twitter account are the original wordings. The radio tweeted it from their Facebook page at 12.30 am (my time) and mine was after that. But its true i didnt had a source for sometime because i took it from some random facebook page and tweeted it, as i said i never thought it would go famous . The source was replied to me by a some follower which i tweeted afterwards but its definitely not made up mate.

[Kochevnik]

I think in about 5 years we're all going to be cursing internationals even more than we do now.  When England starts taking 5 or 6 of our best players for every meaningless friendly it's going to be very irritating.

Really is a good problem to have, though.  Amazing how many we have in the youth setup!

[cptrios]

You review is good, but Adorjan is the most underrated player at our Academy! It's a shame... I would say that Adorjan was our Xavi for the U18 and a player with so much inteligence and football mind that most seems to ignore.
For Brad Smith is too early to say ...but the lad has clearly a huge advantage for a LB... pace, so you never know, especially that he's quite good with the ball too!

ohh... and Suso ... definitly should be over there with Sterling!

I like Adorjan a lot too...I think he and Sama are the current unsung U18 heroes. The only problem for Adorjan is that it's going to be incredibly difficult for him to break into the first team in his position...but I really hope we keep him around long enough for him to try!

[Acaustiq]

Adorjan got eighteen assists and eight goals last season and he forced perhaps the most naturally gifted kid I've ever seen out to the right, to suggest he's somehow a lesser element of the u18's is a bit mental.

The only argument you could make is that it's more difficult to break through as a young attacking player due to expectation than it is a defensive player.

[del23]

Richie Partridge Sighting!

Sorry can't post images, but that definitely looks like Richie in the team photo from the Marveld comp. Great to see another former player being brought into the coaching ranks in the academy, along with Mike Marsh.

I'm sure it is just coincidental, but it seems a nice touch by the club that two players who had their careers destroyed prematurely by injury, have been given a second chance at a career in football.

[trembles97]

Baio, Dunn and Petersson stand out amoung the u16s

[mercury]

I'm loving our transfer policy

x 3 

[Crimson_Tank]

I'm loving our transfer policy

aren't we all mate?

[d.king037]

I personally believe that Krisztian Adorjan is a grest talent - but, living down south, I haven't seen any of him live - only on LFCtv. I am also wondering what people's views are on Michael Roberts and Craig Roddan, these two are the Lucas' of the reserves/U18s?

[Twelfth Customer]

Pepe Guardiola was on Spanish radio yesterday saying he admired our Academy claiming he expects 20 players to come through. Was in one of the broadsheets today can't remember which one. Looking at the quality we have assembled and based on the likes of Kelly, Flanno I think we have a bright future.


http://www.offthepost.info/2011/06/barcelona-boss-pep-guardiola-praises-liverpools-academy-rafa-benitezs-kid-collection/

[exiledinyorkshire]

You review is good, but Adorjan is the most underrated player at our Academy! It's a shame... I would say that Adorjan was our Xavi for the U18 and a player with so much inteligence and football mind that most seems to ignore.
For Brad Smith is too early to say ...but the lad has clearly a huge advantage for a LB... pace, so you never know, especially that he's quite good with the ball too!

ohh... and Suso ... definitly should be over there with Sterling!

This is by far the best thread on the forum. And in relation to your point about Adorjan, better than Suso for me at the moment. Underated on here maybe, but he is clearly integral to that youth team, and rightly lauded at the Academy itself. So tidy, with great vision. Hard to compare him to anybody but a bit like.........well cant actually think of a comparison at all, perhaps a good thing.

Him and Sterling are the stand out players in that group for me.

[Cpt_Reina]

This is by far the best thread on the forum. And in relation to your point about Adorjan, better than Suso for me at the moment. Underated on here maybe, but he is clearly integral to that youth team, and rightly lauded at the Academy itself. So tidy, with great vision. Hard to compare him to anybody but a bit like.........well cant actually think of a comparison at all, perhaps a good thing.

Him and Sterling are the stand out players in that group for me.

I dont think Adorjan is underrated in this thread. People who know, know. People who dont watch the ressies and U18s regularly are a bit different, they see the Suso compilation and the fact that he has the one name thing going on and think he's the best thing since sliced bread. But just about everyone who frquents this thread on a regular basis knows that Adorjan is right up there.

As for the player comparison, Pastore maybe? Plays in between the lines, eye for a pass and can provide a goal threat at the same time.

[exiledinyorkshire]

I think in about 5 years we're all going to be cursing internationals even more than we do now.  When England starts taking 5 or 6 of our best players for every meaningless friendly it's going to be very irritating.

Really is a good problem to have, though.  Amazing how many we have in the youth setup!

Correct, but it will be a welcome change to be interested in the England team again, cause at the moment i could nt give a flying fuck.....and i'm english.

[exiledinyorkshire]

I dont think Adorjan is underrated in this thread. People who know, know. People who dont watch the ressies and U18s regularly are a bit different, they see the Suso compilation and the fact that he has the one name thing going on and think he's the best thing since sliced bread. But just about everyone who frquents this thread on a regular basis knows that Adorjan is right up there.

As for the player comparison, Pastore maybe? Plays in between the lines, eye for a pass and can provide a goal threat at the same time.

Yeah i think your right. You dont hear many that see the youth team play say anything but positive things about him, what i mean i suppose is that his name has nt filtered out to a wider audiance in the way a Sterling or Suso or even Wisdom has. And i think thats essentialy because he is in no way flash. Not that the others are like.

As regards to Pastore, not seen much of him, but when i have seen him i love him, and yes i can see the comparison, a upright nuber 10. Not too much of the "gambetta" for an Argentine, but lots of craft and guile. Great player, aways thout Aqua was going to be like that for us.
There you go Aquilani is who he reminds me of........l.thanks for helping me get there.

[RJH]

Richie Partridge Sighting!

Sorry can't post images, but that definitely looks like Richie in the team photo from the Marveld comp. Great to see another former player being brought into the coaching ranks in the academy, along with Mike Marsh.

I'm sure it is just coincidental, but it seems a nice touch by the club that two players who had their careers destroyed prematurely by injury, have been given a second chance at a career in football.

Yeah, I think it is him. A quick google reveals he's now a physiotherapist with U-9s - U 16s:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/lsquoit-sounds-daft-but-you-can-be-well-respected-as-a-club-physiorsquo-2634151.html

[Mooki3]

I like Adorjan a lot too...I think he and Sama are the current unsung U18 heroes. The only problem for Adorjan is that it's going to be incredibly difficult for him to break into the first team in his position...but I really hope we keep him around long enough for him to try!

I always say that, can't belive that people don't rate Sama, looks like a great prospect to me.

[DanA]

I think in about 5 years we're all going to be cursing internationals even more than we do now.  When England starts taking 5 or 6 of our best players for every meaningless friendly it's going to be very irritating.

Really is a good problem to have, though.  Amazing how many we have in the youth setup!

I agree the meaningless friendlies are frustrating but I'd rather most of our team head down to Weberley than some bumpy rock hard pitch in a city on the arse end of the world. We're going to have a team full of internationals regardless of their nationality. Last world cup I think we had something like 17! From memory the most in the premier league.

[Komic]

Correct, but it will be a welcome change to be interested in the England team again, cause at the moment i could nt give a flying fuck.....and i'm english.

"They're not English, they're scouse."

[DanA]

You review is good, but Adorjan is the most underrated player at our Academy! It's a shame... I would say that Adorjan was our Xavi for the U18 and a player with so much inteligence and football mind that most seems to ignore.
For Brad Smith is too early to say ...but the lad has clearly a huge advantage for a LB... pace, so you never know, especially that he's quite good with the ball too!

ohh... and Suso ... definitly should be over there with Sterling!

I can certainly see why some disagree with me about Adorjan. Like Xavi his decision making is brilliant but Xavi has some much more. His close control, ability to spin away from a player and spot up a pass is unmatched in the world. Where as I've rarely if ever seen Adorjan do something that amazed me. I don't think you could do him justice in a highlight reel. But where he stands above his peers is he does the simple things perfectly every time. While the others make your usual youthful mistakes from what I've seen he doesn't seem to.

My concern is that while that great at U18's and even reserve level it's not enough to play at the very highest level.

[Visigoth33]

I personally believe that Krisztian Adorjan is a grest talent - but, living down south, I haven't seen any of him live - only on LFCtv. I am also wondering what people's views are on Michael Roberts and Craig Roddan, these two are the Lucas' of the reserves/U18s?

Adorjan is a very good player,he reminds me of Jari Litmanen in the way he moves,vision and with his through passes.Michael Roberts plays a little like alonso and Craig Roddan is more dynamic in the mascherano kind of way,both really talented youngsters.

[lionel_messias]

Pepe Guardiola was on Spanish radio yesterday saying he admired our Academy claiming he expects 20 players to come through. Was in one of the broadsheets today can't remember which one. Looking at the quality we have assembled and based on the likes of Kelly, Flanno I think we have a bright future.


http://www.offthepost.info/2011/06/barcelona-boss-pep-guardiola-praises-liverpools-academy-rafa-benitezs-kid-collection/

In 2 years time Liverpool will have a top top side and this thread will dominate the world with its righteousness!

[redbyrdz]

Yeah i think your right. You dont hear many that see the youth team play say anything but positive things about him, what i mean i suppose is that his name has nt filtered out to a wider audiance in the way a Sterling or Suso or even Wisdom has. And i think thats essentialy because he is in no way flash. Not that the others are like.

Or maybe just because he's not English? A lot more media attention for English youngsters. (Yes I know Suso isn't either)

[Mr Dilkington]

The Adorjan-Pastore shout is a good one. There's definitely something in it, though i think Pastore is more mobile and quicker across the grass than Adorjan.

Still think there's huge chunks of Bergkamp in him. Next year is going to be really interesting in terms of Adorjan's development. He'll be getting games for the reserves, and it'll be really interesting to see how he copes.

Borrell getting promoted will make the world of difference. Working with a manager who managed to get 18 assists plus 8 goals from you the season previous in a massive boost.

I wonder who the ressie striker will be next season? That was a problem this year, there wasn't a consistent out and out striker. I'd like to see them give it to Ngoo, show confidence in the lad.

[Cpt_Reina]

The Adorjan-Pastore shout is a good one. There's definitely something in it, though i think Pastore is more mobile and quicker across the grass than Adorjan.

Still think there's huge chunks of Bergkamp in him. Next year is going to be really interesting in terms of Adorjan's development. He'll be getting games for the reserves, and it'll be really interesting to see how he copes.

Borrell getting promoted will make the world of difference. Working with a manager who managed to get 18 assists plus 8 goals from you the season previous in a massive boost.

I wonder who the ressie striker will be next season? That was a problem this year, there wasn't a consistent out and out striker. I'd like to see them give it to Ngoo, show confidence in the lad.

Having read that interview with Bergkamp in Blizzard and gone back and rewatched some of his exploits Id be delighted if Adorjan reached half of his ability. There are similarities there though, particularly in attitude. Adorjan seems to love loading the gun, something Bergkamp spoke of as a great delight. He just seems to make the right decsion near enough all the time, he knows when to play it sideways, when to thread the ball through and when to take it on himself. Its uncanny. That turn and pass that Adorjan does is such a joy to behold, no time to defend against it, as long as he's got runners he'll find them. Lots of similarities with Bergkamp and the ways in which he speaks about his game in that interview.

I think Ngoo's the right shout. I think he's nailed on the be the first choice, with Morgan drifting in and out of the team, and probably dropping down to the U18s on occasion. Im a big fan of Ngoo, really like his style, become much more clinical in front of goal too.

[Houlliers goal face]

You review is good, but Adorjan is the most underrated player at our Academy! It's a shame... I would say that Adorjan was our Xavi for the U18 and a player with so much inteligence and football mind that most seems to ignore.
For Brad Smith is too early to say ...but the lad has clearly a huge advantage for a LB... pace, so you never know, especially that he's quite good with the ball too!

ohh... and Suso ... definitly should be over there with Sterling!

Adorjan may have been over shadowed by some of the other players only in the eyes of some supporters. At the academy and the club as a whole, I think they are expecting big things from this lad.

[lfcderek]

I dont think Adorjan is underrated in this thread. People who know, know. People who dont watch the ressies and U18s regularly are a bit different, they see the Suso compilation and the fact that he has the one name thing going on and think he's the best thing since sliced bread. But just about everyone who frquents this thread on a regular basis knows that Adorjan is right up there.

As for the player comparison, Pastore maybe? Plays in between the lines, eye for a pass and can provide a goal threat at the same time.

Glad to see that Adjoran is beginning to get the appreciation he deserves. Suso and Sterling do things at times that simply make you gasp - watching Sterling on a run leaves you with a sense of disbelief to be honest - how can someone be that quick?

Adjoran just delivers, and delivers, and delivers.

Watching a game on LFCtv and througout the game you hear

"Lovely ball to Sterling from Adjoran"
"Great through ball from Adjoran there"
"Nice turn and layoff. Adjoran could find space in a telephone box"
"Great finish from Silva. Made by the defence splitting ball from Adjoran"

time after time after time.

His best position is 'in the hole' I guess, and this will make it difficult to get game time. If we move to playing 433 then both him and Suso may be able to get some run-outs in the first team as an AM. Hope so!

[Xabier Alonso Olano]

his passing ability is up there. Just hope that he starts finishing the chances that fall to him in greater numbers. There have been times that I have seen him this season where he hasn't finished chances that I would assume he was disappointed not to have finished. That's not to say that he can't score, but that playing up top (or dropping off as he often does) requires you to finish chances that fall your way, even if your main strength is creating chances. I don't doubt that he will improve at it, Dani Pacheco has improved his finishing over the last few years, so I see no reason why the coaching staff can't improve Adjoran's shooting and decision making that extra degree that he needs to be a truly great young player. Luckily, he has plenty of time and the exact support and coaching to make that extra step.

I love his ability to protect the ball in tight spaces, he shields it, and finds the pass 9 out of 10 times. very good young player.

[Maldini]

Sorry mate, it was the other way around. I originally took the story from Facebook where it was posted on some page. I tweeted them in English, never thought it would take off like it did. The quotes from that Spanish twitter account are the original wordings. The radio tweeted it from their Facebook page at 12.30 am (my time) and mine was after that. But its true i didnt had a source for sometime because i took it from some random facebook page and tweeted it, as i said i never thought it would go famous . The source was replied to me by a some follower which i tweeted afterwards but its definitely not made up mate.

Apologies if I got it wrong, it all seemed a bit weird at the time though, still haven't seen/heard a concrete version of it.

[Houlliers goal face]

Richie Partridge Sighting!

Sorry can't post images, but that definitely looks like Richie in the team photo from the Marveld comp. Great to see another former player being brought into the coaching ranks in the academy, along with Mike Marsh.

I'm sure it is just coincidental, but it seems a nice touch by the club that two players who had their careers destroyed prematurely by injury, have been given a second chance at a career in football.

Hope not! Don't want the brother in-law of the anti-Christ being anywhere near the club.

[AayoTheRed]

Lloyd Jones is 16 not 15, and I believe he is from Portsmouth, not Plymouth.

He is huge. Very big and strong looking lad. Maybe he is a defender? He and his family were down at the academy on Wednesday finalizing his transfer.

[Batch]

Don't want to put pressure on the lad but the way Adorjan always seems to have time and space on the ball despite his relative lack of pace is very Zindane-esque. Bergkamp and Litmanen are also good comparisons. I hope he makes it here but I think whatever happens he has got a very promising career ahead of him!

[Pierre]

Lloyd Jones is a centre back signed from Plymouth FC.

[Gainsbarre]

I can certainly see why some disagree with me about Adorjan. Like Xavi his decision making is brilliant but Xavi has some much more. His close control, ability to spin away from a player and spot up a pass is unmatched in the world. Where as I've rarely if ever seen Adorjan do something that amazed me. I don't think you could do him justice in a highlight reel. But where he stands above his peers is he does the simple things perfectly every time. While the others make your usual youthful mistakes from what I've seen he doesn't seem to.

My concern is that while that great at U18's and even reserve level it's not enough to play at the very highest level.

I'm not saying Adorjan will be as good as Xavi... but he has something you cant learn - 'vision' and seems to play the game with that better than most. And when I've watched him play he seemed very gifted with the ball too, very good close control and confortable in possession... It's unfair to compare him to one of the greatest as I did, he's still 18 and have some more years ahead  of him to work on the flaws of his game... From what I've seen from him, he could be our playmaker in two three years of time... and it wouldn't surprise me if his name is cited one day as one of the finest '10' in the game...

[Mr Rossi]

Lloyd Jones is 16 not 15, and I believe he is from Portsmouth, not Plymouth.

He is huge. Very big and strong looking lad. Maybe he is a defender? He and his family were down at the academy on Wednesday finalizing his transfer.

He's from Plymouth.

[Mr_Miyagi]

Lloyd Jones is 16 not 15, and I believe he is from Portsmouth, not Plymouth.

He is huge. Very big and strong looking lad. Maybe he is a defender? He and his family were down at the academy on Wednesday finalizing his transfer.

Wrong on everything.

He's 15, from Plymouth and signed on Thursday.

[trembles97]

does anybody know of any signings for the u18s? I know they released a lot of the u16s last year so they might be short for players for the u18s next year.... does anybody know if anyone has been targeted at that level?

[RedSuarez]

I can certainly see why some disagree with me about Adorjan. Like Xavi his decision making is brilliant but Xavi has some much more. His close control, ability to spin away from a player and spot up a pass is unmatched in the world. Where as I've rarely if ever seen Adorjan do something that amazed me. I don't think you could do him justice in a highlight reel. But where he stands above his peers is he does the simple things perfectly every time. While the others make your usual youthful mistakes from what I've seen he doesn't seem to.

My concern is that while that great at U18's and even reserve level it's not enough to play at the very highest level.

Xavi is the best at what he does at this moment but you are giving bit disrespect to the lad. Ask Juan who has watched him a lot. The guy has amazing instinct for killer through balls, his touch is good, not shabby at dribbling when required and guy can create space in a match box. I am really excited about him. Suso is great and all but this guys footballing brain, vision and ability are awesome.

As far as comparison goes haven't seen much of Pastore but I have watched quite a bit of Aimar (under Rafa) and Adorjan reminds me a lot of him (though I think adorjan will be much better footballer than him).

[Juan Loco]

does anybody know of any signings for the u18s? I know they released a lot of the u16s last year so they might be short for players for the u18s next year.... does anybody know if anyone has been targeted at that level?

Haven't we already signed some Bosnian striker for the U18s?

I doubt it'd be too great a surprise if most of the signings are for U15s and U16s and last years U16s (and the 'U17s' who didn't get a game) become next years U18s. Speculation, though I'm pretty sure our U18s side - for the league games at least - was a very young one. Both fullbacks were 1st year scholars, as was Regan (who I imagine will just drop back down to the U18s now but play more often), Morgan too. I think Hajdu was just 17 'n' all. Plus there's Sumner who I think was in a similar position to Mukendi and Regan (too old for U16s, more developed player in his place for U18s), Throw in Dunn and Pieterson who were on the bench for the U18s the last few games of the season, plus a few more who no longer qualify for the U18s and it the squad seems to replenish its self.

Most of the signings so far seem targetted towards the slightly younger age groups, perhaps just to get them more accostomed to playing the way we want.

[stevedo]

How good is Dunn? I've heard his name mentioned many a time here, but if one of those in the know could you give a brief review of the lad thanks.

[Maldini]

does anybody know of any signings for the u18s? I know they released a lot of the u16s last year so they might be short for players for the u18s next year.... does anybody know if anyone has been targeted at that level?

Don't think they'll be short, 7 or 8 of the u16s came through and most of last year's u18s were first years anyway. The only signing I know of for definite is the Northern Irish RB Ryan McLaughlin. There were reports we'd signed Portuguese winger Goncalo Ribeiro but he's already 17 so he should have arrived by now.