Topic: Youth and Under 23 Thread

[Sangria]

I love that the Pilling video has been put together by someone in his family.  It's really difficult to judge players at that age but he looks a proper prospect.

I hope it's endemic throughout our set up, but my favourite part of that video is how he moves the ball promptly and doesn't hog it unnecessarily. That was also one of the most enjoyable aspects of the Shrewsbury game.

[HopefulRed]

Isaac Mabaya for me.

Yes his name does appear to be the pick of the crop.  Not sure he’s old enough to ‘qualify’ for the U18s for the next season.  That is, he might play up but might be too young to be listed on the website is his 16th is not before 1 September. 

[Fordy]

Yes his name does appear to be the pick of the crop.  Not sure he’s old enough to ‘qualify’ for the U18s for the next season.  That is, he might play up but might be too young to be listed on the website is his 16th is not before 1 September. 

He's 15 and played for the under 18's already.

[CowboyKangaroo]

There is actually a youtube piece on Tommy Pilling, he is so small compared to the others but quite a finisher loves lobbing the ball that's for sure. 

https://youtu.be/sAFxuNUnt0I

Not to undermine his no doubt excellent talent, but it is a bit easier to lob someone when they can't reach the cross-bar   

[HopefulRed]

He's 15 and played for the under 18's already.

Sorry I missed your earlier post.  I hadn’t actually seen his name mentioned in connection with the U18s and thought I watched most matches, at least where LFC post the highlights or they are shown online.  Excellent that he’s already there.

[jillcwhomever]

Not to undermine his no doubt excellent talent, but it is a bit easier to lob someone when they can't reach the cross-bar   

I guess that is a fair point. I've always had a soft spot for lobs though. 

[gaztop08]

There is actually a youtube piece on Tommy Pilling, he is so small compared to the others but quite a finisher loves lobbing the ball that's for sure. 

https://youtu.be/sAFxuNUnt0I

Good video,hope he can take that to senior level

[NsRed]

Thanks for all the info about the youth sides everyone. I hardly ever get to watch any of their games these days, so it's nice that you keep us in the loop. Also nice that the standard of the academy sides seems to be getting gradually better. City and Chelsea seem to have had the best academies in the country for the last few years and we've lagged behind a bit. Do you think we're coming close to catching them up?

Something that has been clear to me watching the various youth competitions for a few years is that city and Chelsea have emphasized physical qualities in their setups. There have been matches that literally looked like dads vs lads when our academy sides have played against them- some absolute units in their systems.

I think now we have massively closed the overall gap though. We’ve really streamlined operations and each of our academy sides are working with a clear vision that’s tied to klopp and the first team. Our kids are dynamic pressers, unselfish on the ball and positionally flexible.

[HopefulRed]

Although Jürgen said yesterday that they’re all in contention, I don’t think Curtis is.  I could see him in the photos or short training video yesterday.  Hopefully nothing serious and he can play his part in the end so season run in.

[Welshred]

Just because you don't see someone in photos or videos doesn't mean they're unavailable, especially when the manager has said everyone is in contention.

[phil236849]

It seems Curtis is out at the moment which is a pity as he might have a chance of minutes.  No journo seems to have asked at the press conferences how long he will be out for

[Floop]

It seems Curtis is out at the moment which is a pity as he might have a chance of minutes.  No journo seems to have asked at the press conferences how long he will be out for

No idea what kept him out the derby, but he's on the bench tonight so clearly he's over it.

[phil236849]

No idea what kept him out the derby, but he's on the bench tonight so clearly he's over it.

Good to see

[Kochevnik]

Bit of an under-the-radar player at the moment, Neco Williams. I have a sneaky feeling he's really good.

This right here is what the youth/reserve thread is all about.

Getting to watch players at age 16 before you really hear about them and sometimes, as in the case of Neco, you just get a sense "hang on a minute, this lad is really good" when you see them in action.

[Welshred]

Neco was great last night. That through ball for Salah right at the end.

If Klopp is confident of playing him at left back he could get a few games towards the end of the season and maybe a lot more next season. Think he's definitely ready to be our back up right back which hopefully means no more Gomez there!

[rafathegaffa83]

Tacked onto the Clyne announcement

Meanwhile, several Academy players will also leave Liverpool at the end of June, with Dan Atherton, Isaac Christie-Davies, Shamal George, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Jack Walls, Alex Turner and Abel Rodrigues set to depart.

[HopefulRed]

Tacked onto the Clyne announcement

Meanwhile, several Academy players will also leave Liverpool at the end of June, with Dan Atherton, Isaac Christie-Davies, Shamal George, Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Jack Walls, Alex Turner and Abel Rodrigues set to depart.

Not unexpected on the 3 goalies as there were far too many fighting for an U23s slot, on top of Keheller, who drops down for game time and Jaros, who did spend most of this season injured, and Winterbottom.  It will be interesting to see whether Kelleher  goes out on loan next season and Grabara comes back as the No 3 behind Adrian. 

Alex Turner was barely seen for 2 years in the U18, ditto Abel Rodrigues, although he seems to only have joined last summer going from the official website.  Not sure how accurate that is since I seem to remember him being listed on the retained list at the end of last season.  But hadn’t heard of him before that.  Jack has suffered from too many good RBs in front of him, ie Williams and Hoever, and perhaps quansah in the year below. 

[NsRed]

Wonder when we will see the list of first year scholars released, now that we know who isn’t being retained

[Fordy]

Not unexpected on the 3 goalies as there were far too many fighting for an U23s slot, on top of Keheller, who drops down for game time and Jaros, who did spend most of this season injured, and Winterbottom.  It will be interesting to see whether Kelleher  goes out on loan next season and Grabara comes back as the No 3 behind Adrian. 

Alex Turner was barely seen for 2 years in the U18, ditto Abel Rodrigues, although he seems to only have joined last summer going from the official website.  Not sure how accurate that is since I seem to remember him being listed on the retained list at the end of last season.  But hadn’t heard of him before that.  Jack has suffered from too many good RBs in front of him, ie Williams and Hoever, and perhaps quansah in the year below. 

Extremely fair view

Kelleher will 100% go out on loan. He was due to go out on loan to Preston in Jan but they got cold feet because Liverpool say their players have to play on loan. Liverpool rate Kelleher highly.

Grabara is an interesting one I know some Huddersfield fans and they say hes no way need as good as Danny Ward. He then gets a head injury and is still not back.

We need 4 keepers. We take 3 on a match day and pratice in the 1st team sessions with 4.

I'll be honest I like Lonergan to stay and I would loan Kelleghar and Grabara out with Jaros and Winterbottom playing for under 23's....One issue is karius though..Liverpool need to get rid of him.

[Chris~]

Found it odd we gave Coyle a new contract. Sort of player we should be letting go instead of signing to a second pro contract

[NsRed]

Found it odd we gave Coyle a new contract. Sort of player we should be letting go instead of signing to a second pro contract

Think it’s just a one year extension, give him a chance to hopefully earn a spot elsewhere in a year’s time after a serious injury

[Perham]

Now we've confirmed it I'd love to see us play some of the academy graduates and get them medals

[Fordy]

Now we've confirmed it I'd love to see us play some of the academy graduates and get them medals

We only get 40 for the entire squad and backroom staff.

I wonder though if Liverpool will be applying for more considering the 5 sub rule etc.

However looking at this..Some might manage to get to the 5 matches total.

[HopefulRed]

Extremely fair view

Kelleher will 100% go out on loan. He was due to go out on loan to Preston in Jan but they got cold feet because Liverpool say their players have to play on loan. Liverpool rate Kelleher highly.

Grabara is an interesting one I know some Huddersfield fans and they say hes no way need as good as Danny Ward. He then gets a head injury and is still not back.

We need 4 keepers. We take 3 on a match day and pratice in the 1st team sessions with 4.



I'll be honest I like Lonergan to stay and I would loan Kelleghar and Grabara out with Jaros and Winterbottom playing for under 23's....One issue is karius though..Liverpool need to get rid of him.

I don’t think Lonergan will be staying.  The retained lists for Prem clubs is on the Prem League website.  Lonergan is not listed.  He could have been listed as “offer” to indicate is an offer had been made, as Winterbottom is listed. 

[Fordy]

I don’t think Lonergan will be staying.  The retained lists for Prem clubs is on the Prem League website.  Lonergan is not listed.  He could have been listed as “offer” to indicate is an offer had been made, as Winterbottom is listed. 

He won't be listed on there as his contract is up in the summer. I doubt he will be offered a new one but who knows. Think having an experience keeper works. Kelleher should be going out on loan.

[dakid]

You've Oakley Cannonier(The ball boy the quickly passed the ball to TAA for the corner against Barca.Remember that goal)
Tommy Pilling
Isaac Mabaya
Cuba Diboe

All the above are England internationals under 15's/16's

Isaac Mabaya who is 15 is currently is already in under 18's already along with Abel Rodriques, Luca Stephenson, Luke Chambers and Max Woltman

I haven't seen Oakley Cannonier mentioned anywhere since he went off injured while playingfor England u16s last September and was taken to hospital for a scan. Was he playing last season or did he suffer a serious injury then?

[No666]

I don't think this is just verbiage; these are the guys Klopp will give a chance to (from The Guardian piece today):

“What we want is to create our transfers internally. So now, the first glimpses of Neco Williams. Bring the boys up. Curtis, Harvey, Ki-Jana [Hoever], Sepp [van den Berg], Yasser [Larouci], Leighton [Clarkson], Jake Cain: all these boys have done really well."

[BarryCrocker]

Report: Liverpool have offered Reds teenager pro terms, announcement expected.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Liverpool have decided to offer French teenager Billy Koumetio professional terms, and an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.

Koumetio, 17, joined Liverpool from French side Orleans in January 2019 and has since played eight times in the Under-18’s Premier League. The former Lyon youth player has even stepped up to the Under-23 side.

Not only that, but the two-time France Under-18 international was an unused substitute during the penalty shootout win over Arsenal earlier this season. A left-footed centre-back, Koumetio stands at a lofty 6ft 5in.

The report states that Koumetio is a fan of Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool have recognised the Frenchman’s leadership skills as a reason for him signing a new deal. Confirmation from the Merseyside club is expected in the coming days.

TBR’s view – Koumetio could be ideal if Lovren leaves

Getting a senior bow aged just 17 is unlikely and it might be a season or two before Koumetio is given that chance, but given the Reds are willing to offer him professional terms – it is an encouraging start.

Not only that, but at the age of 16 he was benched against Arsenal. That is an astonishing feat, and one that deserves rewarding. Koumetio has enormous potential, and with Dejan Lovren’s future in doubt, he needs to be kept on side.

https://tbrfootball.com/report-liverpool-have-offered-reds-teenager-pro-terms-announcement-expected/

Must admit France is a production line for defenders at the moment.

Kamara, Upamecano, Konate, Todibo, Badiashile.

[Oskar]

I don't think this is just verbiage; these are the guys Klopp will give a chance to (from The Guardian piece today):

“What we want is to create our transfers internally. So now, the first glimpses of Neco Williams. Bring the boys up. Curtis, Harvey, Ki-Jana [Hoever], Sepp [van den Berg], Yasser [Larouci], Leighton [Clarkson], Jake Cain: all these boys have done really well."

Must be great for them all to have been involved in the celebrations last Thursday and then see the best manager in the world speaking about them like this.

The opportunity is there for all of them, they've all got the potential to make the step up so fingers crossed they all continue to put the work in to reach the level required - knowing that Jurgen Klopp is watching you and prepared to give you a chance should be the all motivation that any young player needs.

[ShowMeTheMane]

Are any of them proper local lads, or just players we took from rival academies?

You've Oakley Cannonier(The ball boy the quickly passed the ball to TAA for the corner against Barca.Remember that goal)
Tommy Pilling
Isaac Mabaya
Cuba Diboe

All the above are England internationals under 15's/16's

Isaac Mabaya who is 15 is currently is already in under 18's already along with Abel Rodriques, Luca Stephenson, Luke Chambers and Max Woltman

[CowboyKangaroo]

Report: Liverpool have offered Reds teenager pro terms, announcement expected.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Liverpool have decided to offer French teenager Billy Koumetio professional terms, and an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.

Koumetio, 17, joined Liverpool from French side Orleans in January 2019 and has since played eight times in the Under-18’s Premier League. The former Lyon youth player has even stepped up to the Under-23 side.

Not only that, but the two-time France Under-18 international was an unused substitute during the penalty shootout win over Arsenal earlier this season. A left-footed centre-back, Koumetio stands at a lofty 6ft 5in.

The report states that Koumetio is a fan of Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool have recognised the Frenchman’s leadership skills as a reason for him signing a new deal. Confirmation from the Merseyside club is expected in the coming days.

TBR’s view – Koumetio could be ideal if Lovren leaves

Getting a senior bow aged just 17 is unlikely and it might be a season or two before Koumetio is given that chance, but given the Reds are willing to offer him professional terms – it is an encouraging start.

Not only that, but at the age of 16 he was benched against Arsenal. That is an astonishing feat, and one that deserves rewarding. Koumetio has enormous potential, and with Dejan Lovren’s future in doubt, he needs to be kept on side.

https://tbrfootball.com/report-liverpool-have-offered-reds-teenager-pro-terms-announcement-expected/

Must admit France is a production line for defenders at the moment.

Kamara, Upamecano, Konate, Todibo, Badiashile.

The article reads like a computer generated one on Football Manager 

[Hazell]

Brewster start for Swansea against Millwall today. Kick off at 5.00pm.

[xbugawugax]

Report: Liverpool have offered Reds teenager pro terms, announcement expected.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Liverpool have decided to offer French teenager Billy Koumetio professional terms, and an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.

Koumetio, 17, joined Liverpool from French side Orleans in January 2019 and has since played eight times in the Under-18’s Premier League. The former Lyon youth player has even stepped up to the Under-23 side.

Not only that, but the two-time France Under-18 international was an unused substitute during the penalty shootout win over Arsenal earlier this season. A left-footed centre-back, Koumetio stands at a lofty 6ft 5in.

The report states that Koumetio is a fan of Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool have recognised the Frenchman’s leadership skills as a reason for him signing a new deal. Confirmation from the Merseyside club is expected in the coming days.

TBR’s view – Koumetio could be ideal if Lovren leaves

Getting a senior bow aged just 17 is unlikely and it might be a season or two before Koumetio is given that chance, but given the Reds are willing to offer him professional terms – it is an encouraging start.

Not only that, but at the age of 16 he was benched against Arsenal. That is an astonishing feat, and one that deserves rewarding. Koumetio has enormous potential, and with Dejan Lovren’s future in doubt, he needs to be kept on side.

https://tbrfootball.com/report-liverpool-have-offered-reds-teenager-pro-terms-announcement-expected/

Must admit France is a production line for defenders at the moment.

Kamara, Upamecano, Konate, Todibo, Badiashile.

how could you forget a certain french CL 04-05 winning defender and sakho of course.

but think Hoever and Van der Berg are ahead of him at the moment since both have debuted in senior teams.

Pretty sure the youth squad must be buzzing regarding klopp comments of looking for creative solutions internally. IF that and playing under the world's best coach and developer of talent doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will.

[NsRed]

I’m really curious to see where Hoever ends up playing position wise. He’s never played there for us, but he just screams #6 to me. We appear set at right back, he’s perhaps a tad short for CB, but he’s just a supremely talented footballer. Could see him being Fabinho’s understudy (or even Gini’s for that matter). He’s still so young so there’s so great rush to force him into one position, just interested to see the next step in his development.

[Oskar]

What a goal by Rhian Brewster!

Didn't know he could take free-kicks like that 

[Hazell]

Brewster start for Swansea against Millwall today. Kick off at 5.00pm.

And he just scored a free kick (although it'll probably go down as an own goal).

[TALBERT]

And he just scored a free kick (although it'll probably go down as an own goal).

Just seen it

Great free kick

[Boaty McBoatface]

Brewster scores a freekick to equalise for Swansea, in off the keeper so might go down as an OG.

Edit. What Hazell said.

[HopefulRed]

Report: Liverpool have offered Reds teenager pro terms, announcement expected.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Liverpool have decided to offer French teenager Billy Koumetio professional terms, and an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.

Koumetio, 17, joined Liverpool from French side Orleans in January 2019 and has since played eight times in the Under-18’s Premier League. The former Lyon youth player has even stepped up to the Under-23 side.

Not only that, but the two-time France Under-18 international was an unused substitute during the penalty shootout win over Arsenal earlier this season. A left-footed centre-back, Koumetio stands at a lofty 6ft 5in.

The report states that Koumetio is a fan of Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool have recognised the Frenchman’s leadership skills as a reason for him signing a new deal. Confirmation from the Merseyside club is expected in the coming days.

TBR’s view – Koumetio could be ideal if Lovren leaves

Getting a senior bow aged just 17 is unlikely and it might be a season or two before Koumetio is given that chance, but given the Reds are willing to offer him professional terms – it is an encouraging start.

Not only that, but at the age of 16 he was benched against Arsenal. That is an astonishing feat, and one that deserves rewarding. Koumetio has enormous potential, and with Dejan Lovren’s future in doubt, he needs to be kept on side.

https://tbrfootball.com/report-liverpool-have-offered-reds-teenager-pro-terms-announcement-expected/

Must admit France is a production line for defenders at the moment.

Kamara, Upamecano, Konate, Todibo, Badiashile.

Far too early in this kid’s career to be writing stuff like this imo.  Most of our U18s get offered pro contracts Within a year of reaching 17.  And there is always Sepp vdBerg, Hoever, and Rhys Williams ahead of him at the moment, not to mention Boyes and Clayton and Savage ahead of him in age at least.  That not to say he cannot overtake the latter group but the former are quite highly thought of. 

[NsRed]

Has there been any talk about what a timeline could look like for the youth sides to return to regular training/matches?