Topic: Youth and Under 23 Thread

[tubby]

Are those U18 highlights knocking about anywhere for free?

[No666]

Neil Jones saying Klopp has held two one-to-one training sessions with Koumetio, working on tactical understanding and positioning.

[royhendo]

Neil Jones saying Klopp has held two one-to-one training sessions with Koumetio, working on tactical understanding and positioning.

Absolutely amazed at this lad, I have to say. You think of young talents at that age who have impressed over the years and honestly I can only think of Kompany having looked anywhere near as physically able at that age, combined with composure between the ears. That was in Champions League group games though - that's your caveat I guess - Koumetio's playing for us in pre-season. 

It's a funny one - when a young player breaks through and has that kind of power - Micah Richards was 17 and raw as could be, wasn't he?

[So… Howard Philips]

Absolutely amazed at this lad, I have to say. You think of young talents at that age who have impressed over the years and honestly I can only think of Kompany having looked anywhere near as physically able at that age, combined with composure between the ears. That was in Champions League group games though - that's your caveat I guess - Koumetio's playing for us in pre-season. 

It's a funny one - when a young player breaks through and has that kind of power - Micah Richards was 17 and raw as could be, wasn't he?

You have to remember that Koumetio was playing in a makeshift defence. Put him in with VVD and Robertson to guide him and you should get a better idea of his ability.

As long as Milner doesn't tell him to 'Fuck Off' he'll be fine.

[farawayred]

Milner has been very aggressive lately.

I just love that this post is in this thread.   

Yeah, Milner has been acting as both, a father figure and a teacher for the younger players. 

[Djozer]

Neil Jones saying Klopp has held two one-to-one training sessions with Koumetio, working on tactical understanding and positioning.

This sounds good, but it would be nice to know the context, ie does this happen with a lot of our young players or is Koumetio the only one Klopp's done this with? Not that it really matters, I'm just curious as it might provide an indication of just how highly Klopp rates him. As others have said, he does look really good, ridiculously good considering his age actually, but all I have to go on are these two preseason matches as I don't watch the youth sides these days.

[Raaphael]

I just love that this post is in this thread.   

Yeah, Milner has been acting as both, a father figure and a teacher for the younger players.

Looks like he’s trying to end Tsmikas though.

[dudek05]

Milner seems to be making sure new players have a welcome to the club and also keeping everyone on their toes to make sure no one goes big time and lets standards drop because we have won a title. Looks like great leadership to me and will probably be mirrored by Hendo when he returns.

[newterp]

Looks like he’s trying to end Tsmikas though.

Yeah he almost killed him and helped daka get a third! Lol.

[Ratboy3G]

Frauendorf has LiverpooolFC on his Insta profile according to Twitter (looks like it but I don’t do insta, snapchat, tiktok or other shite)

Liverpool complete signing of German youth international from Hoffenheim
Highly-rated 16-year-old Melkamu Frauendorf has completed his transfer to Liverpool

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-transfer-news-melkamu-frauendorf-18825038.amp

[royhendo]

The Melkman always delivers the cream. And so forth.

[Spanish Al]

This sounds good, but it would be nice to know the context, ie does this happen with a lot of our young players or is Koumetio the only one Klopp's done this with? Not that it really matters, I'm just curious as it might provide an indication of just how highly Klopp rates him. As others have said, he does look really good, ridiculously good considering his age actually, but all I have to go on are these two preseason matches as I don't watch the youth sides these days.

Pretty sure I read this was because the club didn't want to push him too much (as he is still developing physically) with the heavy sessions the seniors are doing so they pulled him out of one session a day. Klopp took him to one side to do something different instead of him just being sat around.

[soxfan]

Liverpool complete signing of German youth international from Hoffenheim
Highly-rated 16-year-old Melkamu Frauendorf has completed his transfer to Liverpool

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-transfer-news-melkamu-frauendorf-18825038.amp

What exactly does this line mean?

Hoffenheim will be owed training compensation for their development of the player.

Seems a fancy way of saying that we're giving them money? Or is James Milner flying to Germany for a day to yell at some Hoffenheim U-18s?

[Mr Mingebag Squid]

What exactly does this line mean?Seems a fancy way of saying that we're giving them money? Or is James Milner flying to Germany for a day to yell at some Hoffenheim U-18s?

Its basically compensation for them for "educating" him for however many years he's been there.

[dudleyred]

Good result against Carlisle first team

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/academy/406868-liverpool-u23s-academy-carlisle-friendly

[Instalamus]

https://youtu.be/DUaaexoPfgs

Extended highlights of the u23s game

[CraigDS]

What exactly does this line mean?Seems a fancy way of saying that we're giving them money? Or is James Milner flying to Germany for a day to yell at some Hoffenheim U-18s?

It's like when over here it goes to a tribunal, but it's a set fee that UEFA have set. Think it's only a few hundred thousand.

[Too early for flapjacks?]

Isn't it a fixed fee of 250k when I youngster moves to a club in another country?

[CraigDS]

Isn't it a fixed fee of 250k when I youngster moves to a club in another country?

Yeah it's something like that unless it's changed recently. Really isn't like over here between clubs where it's decided on a case by cases basis and can be millions.

[NsRed]

https://youtu.be/DUaaexoPfgs

Extended highlights of the u23s game

Thanks for this. From watching, I think I could identify:
Sepp Van den Berg
Remi Savage
Larouci
Woodburn
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Jack Bearne
Liam Millar
Rhys Williams
Dal Varesanovic

Not sure who the #9 was (Awoniyi maybe? Didn’t look tall enough) or the #7. Anyone have any ideas? Could be a trialist situation? The 9 scored and they didn’t mention whoever it was on the official sites report, could support the trialist theory. The report on the site was so barebones it makes me wonder if we had a few involved that haven’t officially signed yet.

[HopefulRed]

Thanks for this. From watching, I think I could identify:
Sepp Van den Berg
Remi Savage
Larouci
Woodburn
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Jack Bearne
Liam Millar
Rhys Williams
Dal Varesanovic

Not sure who the #9 was (Awoniyi maybe? Didn’t look tall enough) or the #7. Anyone have any ideas? Could be a trialist situation? The 9 scored and they didn’t mention whoever it was on the official sites report, could support the trialist theory. The report on the site was so barebones it makes me wonder if we had a few involved that haven’t officially signed yet.

Could be Awoniyi but pics of him suggest he is a much broader than the scorer on the vid.  I also saw Rhys Williams, Tom Clayton at CB in the second half (I recognised Rhys by his new hairstyle in the latest photo on the official website).  And Longstaff and Clarkson in the second half too.

[Dudek savessssss.........!]

Thanks for this. From watching, I think I could identify:
Sepp Van den Berg
Remi Savage
Larouci
Woodburn
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Jack Bearne
Liam Millar
Rhys Williams
Dal Varesanovic

I thought Larouci was leaving/had left already?

[Goalposts for Jumpers]

Surprised SVDB was there. He's been sent to play with the kids, whilst Koumetio, Phillips stay with the firsts, or is there another reason?

[NsRed]

Surprised SVDB was there. He's been sent to play with the kids, whilst Koumetio, Phillips stay with the firsts, or is there another reason?

I think Sepp is firmly in with the u23s for this season. Koumetio will be as well, but I think he’s getting the extended look in with the first team that he hasn’t had before. Phillips will get a move of some kind I would expect.

[dudleyred]

Surprised SVDB was there. He's been sent to play with the kids, whilst Koumetio, Phillips stay with the firsts, or is there another reason?

He didn’t get any game time against Salzburg so maybe just for fitness?

[NsRed]

I thought Larouci was leaving/had left already?

He’s said he isn’t going to sign a new deal so he’ll be getting a move. Hasn’t materialized yet though.

[NsRed]

Could be Awoniyi but pics of him suggest he is a much broader than the scorer on the vid.  I also saw Rhys Williams, Tom Clayton at CB in the second half (I recognised Rhys by his new hairstyle in the latest photo on the official website).  And Longstaff and Clarkson in the second half too.

Good eye, yeah. Didn’t think it was Awoniyi either, must be a newbie of some kind (hence no name attributed to his goal). It’s been pretty quiet on the academy front so far in terms of news about coming and goings. Hopefully that changes soon and we get an idea of what the underage squads will look like.

[NsRed]

5-0 win against Huddersfield for the u18s today. Frauendorf made his debut and scored. Harvey Blair with a brace (exciting prospect him), Sean Wilson and Tom Hill also scored.

[HopefulRed]

5-0 win against Huddersfield for the u18s today. Frauendorf made his debut and scored. Harvey Blair with a brace (exciting prospect him), Sean Wilson and Tom Hill also scored.

Is Harvey a younger brother to Marley out of interest?   Marley appeared to join us a couple of years back then never played in the U18s, then left after a year.  He was also a forward/winger.  No idea why it didn’t work out for Marley but if he is a brother I guess there are no hard feelings. 

[Chris~]

Is Harvey a younger brother to Marley out of interest?   Marley appeared to join us a couple of years back then never played in the U18s, then left after a year.  He was also a forward/winger.  No idea why it didn’t work out for Marley but if he is a brother I guess there are no hard feelings.

Think he was just released/not offered a deal. And yeah they're brothers

[Chrisfers]

https://youtu.be/DUaaexoPfgs

Extended highlights of the u23s game

Recognised #4 as VDB, #10 was Bearne I think. 22# Larouci? Which other players had which number?

[Goalposts for Jumpers]

He didn’t get any game time against Salzburg so maybe just for fitness?

He started the second half against Stuttgart, but was then subbed off for Koumetio. Did he pick up a knock, dip his cock in Jurgen's Erdinger, or what? 

I'm guessing they need 4 CBs for full 11v11 training - with Phillips covering Matip's role while he's injured, even though, like you said, he is likely to be sold if we get an offer, so I'm guessing Koumetio has leap-frogged SVDB for that fourth spot?

[NsRed]

He started the second half against Stuttgart, but was then subbed off for Koumetio. Did he pick up a knock, dip his cock in Jurgen's Erdinger, or what? 

I'm guessing they need 4 CBs for full 11v11 training - with Phillips covering Matip's role while he's injured, even though, like you said, he is likely to be sold if we get an offer, so I'm guessing Koumetio has leap-frogged SVDB for that fourth spot?

I don’t think either of sepp or Koumetio are legitimately in the running for fourth cb status for us this season. With the fixture congestion and injury history of both Matip and Gomez, I’d say we are nailed in to bring in a first team senior cb.

Neither are ready yet. I’d say Koumetio has probably surpassed Sepp, but they both need consistent game time at u23 level.

[mallin9]

I don’t think either of sepp or Koumetio are legitimately in the running for fourth cb status for us this season. With the fixture congestion and injury history of both Matip and Gomez, I’d say we are nailed in to bring in a first team senior cb.

Neither are ready yet. I’d say Koumetio has probably surpassed Sepp, but they both need consistent game time at u23 level.

mein Herr Klopp has previous for bringing through unheralded young CB's

[HopefulRed]

The details of the new U18s are now on LFC.  I find it interesting that there is only 10 new players.  That’s the smallest number for years I think, so finally fitting in with inglethorpe’s policy of reducing numbers and going for quality.  More to the point 3 of those have been bought in from abroad, so only 7 promoted from U16.  That’s tough on the number released.  And of the 10, 2 are goalies.  Why we need that many and LFC are still considering offering a contract to the 19 year old Spaniard making up the numbers to 5 training with the firsts in Austria, goodness only knows.  Goalies are becoming a bit of an obsession. 

[Kadafi]

VdB's had his settling-in period, hopefully he kicks on this season. Looking back at his PEC Zwolle highlights, I'd say that he's yet to show those attributes at LFC, the English game is tougher and more intense, so it's understandable.

Once he's adapted we'll see more confident displays and his reading of the game should blossom. We'll see what Sepp is made of this season, I believe.

Koumetio and players blessed with his physique, athleticism and flair will often jump the queue as they've already got a part of the game youngsters struggle with.

Personally, alongside these two, I'm really interested in seeing Rhys Williams' development. He's impressed me almost every time I've seen him.

[RayPhilAlan]

VdB's had his settling-in period, hopefully he kicks on this season. Looking back at his PEC Zwolle highlights, I'd say that he's yet to show those attributes at LFC, the English game is tougher and more intense, so it's understandable.

Once he's adapted we'll see more confident displays and his reading of the game should blossom. We'll see what Sepp is made of this season, I believe.

Koumetio and players blessed with his physique, athleticism and flair will often jump the queue as they've already got a part of the game youngsters struggle with.

Personally, alongside these two, I'm really interested in seeing Rhys Williams' development. He's impressed me almost every time I've seen him.

I thought Sepp looked a bit off the pace in his first few games for the first team last season, but he really stepped it up in the FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury. He was really impressive that day.
Yeah, hope he kicks on this season. It would be nice for him and Koumetio if we feel we can trust those two enough (along with Fabinho in bigger games) to not bring in another senior cb.

[Henderson19]

Thanks for this. From watching, I think I could identify:
Sepp Van den Berg
Remi Savage
Larouci
Woodburn
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
Jack Bearne
Liam Millar
Rhys Williams
Dal Varesanovic

Not sure who the #9 was (Awoniyi maybe? Didn’t look tall enough) or the #7. Anyone have any ideas? Could be a trialist situation? The 9 scored and they didn’t mention whoever it was on the official sites report, could support the trialist theory. The report on the site was so barebones it makes me wonder if we had a few involved that haven’t officially signed yet.

#9 is Awoniyi and #7 is Ojo I think.

[NsRed]

#9 is Awoniyi and #7 is Ojo I think.

That was my first thought, but then I thought they looked too small. 7 especially seemed too squat to be Ojo, but maybe it was just the camera angle or the new kits?

[NsRed]

The details of the new U18s are now on LFC.  I find it interesting that there is only 10 new players.  That’s the smallest number for years I think, so finally fitting in with inglethorpe’s policy of reducing numbers and going for quality.  More to the point 3 of those have been bought in from abroad, so only 7 promoted from U16.  That’s tough on the number released.  And of the 10, 2 are goalies.  Why we need that many and LFC are still considering offering a contract to the 19 year old Spaniard making up the numbers to 5 training with the firsts in Austria, goodness only knows.  Goalies are becoming a bit of an obsession.

The keeper thing is a bit odd, but I’m sure there’s a master plan. Train them in our style of play from an early age, hope one becomes good enough to be the heir apparent. No more need to spend 70 million on a keeper, and can likely turn a good profit on the others.

I do like our quality over quantity policy now. Especially with the new training complex opening soon, I think it gives a real sense of one team with one style of play/expectations etc. It should give the young lads something to really strive for and allow them more opportunities to work closely with their senior peers and coaches.