Topic: Youth and Under 23 Thread

[Theoldkopite]

Bugger! 4-3 to the Mancs.

[jillcwhomever]

Another mistake at the back, 4-3. Why are we playing so mad, we need better control. So many of these United goals have come from mis-placed passes. They've barely had to work for the goals they've scored. 

[Theoldkopite]

Just one of those days I think. They’ve only played in fits and starts.

[terry_macss_perm]

Get Layton Stewart playing in the week 

Surprised he isn't playing U23 games given his excellent scoring record at U18s level

Played last week in the 7-2 loss to Man C I think.

[Dan The Man 28373]

Played last week in the 7-2 loss to Man C I think.

Yeah played 75 mins.

[Chris~]

On the stretch but Stephenson should have really made it 4-4 in stoppage time. Disappointing after going for 0-2 to 3-2 but we let them back in to easily. Good, exciting game though

[jillcwhomever]

I’ll actually be quite glad when Billy goes off at half time.  I rather think he needs to stop training with the firsts because he doesn’t look like he’s really really trying and really concentrating on who he is meant to be marking.

There are rumours going around he could get to play in the European game, I hope he doesn't don't feel he is anywhere near enough ready and he stunk the place out in the first half.

[disgraced cake]

Played last week in the 7-2 loss to Man C I think.

Ah, didn't see that. Bad result but at least he got some time at that level and might continue to do so.

On the topic of the European game, can some of the younger lads play despite not being registered? It's a perfect time to give them games, with the result not being too important and rests being needed for usual starters. The likes of Cain and Clarkson have been on the bench for a couple so I think they start.

[Chris~]

Ah, didn't see that. Bad result but at least he got some time at that level and might continue to do so.

On the topic of the European game, can some of the younger lads play despite not being registered? It's a perfect time to give them games, with the result not being too important and rests being needed for usual starters. The likes of Cain and Clarkson have been on the bench for a couple so I think they start.

Yeah, they can be registered to the B list, as long as they've spent 2+ years here, at pretty much any time

[tubby]

How's Musialowski been getting on, has he made any impact with the youth teams?

[Chris~]

How's Musialowski been getting on, has he made any impact with the youth teams?

Got the assist for the 3rd today and has look good when he's played. I'd be interested to know where we see him playing eventually in senior football (here or elsewhere) as hes seems to be quite a good dribbler but doesn't look like he has the athleticism to play as a winger.

[tubby]

Got the assist for the 3rd today and has look good when he's played. I'd be interested to know where we see him playing eventually in senior football (here or elsewhere) as hes seems to be quite a good dribbler but doesn't look like he has the athleticism to play as a winger.

Yeah he's a really interesting prospect, good to hear he's getting involved.

[MNAA]

Jones, Kelleher, N Williams and R Williams breaking through this season and Klopp lauding them for the role they have played in keeping our season afloat in spite of all the injuries - must be a tremendous boost to our youth players. Not to mention Clarkson, Cain and Koumetio also making the step up.

I truly believe that the bridging role played initially by Pep L and now by Vitor Matos has been crucial and significant in helping these lads making the step up and transition into the first team set up. Our transfer hit rate is already off the charts. Soon our academy to first team hit rate will also be the envy of our rivals. They thought with all the injuries we’re going to sink without trace. They thought wrong ... instead it makes us even scarier

[dutchkop]

great updates here.
Thanks for sharing the match updates.
Do we know how many of the U18, U23 have traveled to Denmark?

[No666]

Piece in The Athletic today on Matos -- behind the paywall so will only pop a short taster here. Well worth the £1 offer of subscription if it's still available:

Spoiler

As well as coordinating which young players are required for first-team training and who should report to the under-23s instead, he ensures that information is shared around the different departments. If a player trains with the first team and then goes back to the under-23s, academy staff know exactly what he did in training with the seniors, so they can continue to work on the same elements with him.

Liaising with Klopp and Lijnders, Matos runs the rule over youngsters in training and frequently does one-to-one sessions with them on specific areas. He has been known to visit players at home, to see how they are getting on away from the club and establish whether they need any extra assistance.

His work is appreciated by the players’ families. The parent of one talented Liverpool teenager told The Athletic: “It can be quite daunting when they are trying to find their way at senior level. It’s a huge step up.

“Vitor has been a massive help in terms of offering advice. He’s very approachable. He makes the boys feel comfortable about talking about anything that’s on their mind. He’s like a middle man, because you don’t want to be bothering Jurgen with any questions you’ve got."

[close]

[ep1987]

https://theathletic.com/2247473/2020/12/09/vitor-matos-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-youngsters/

Here's the free part (emphasis added):

Pep Lijnders calls him “the connector”. He is the man responsible for helping Liverpool’s gifted youngsters adjust to life in the senior ranks.

Vitor Matos keeps a low profile but, behind the scenes, the club’s elite development coach has firmly established himself as a highly valued and respected member of Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff.

It is just over a year since the 32-year-old arrived on Merseyside, after leaving his role as assistant manager for Porto’s B team.

Lijnders knew exactly what Liverpool were getting, having worked with Matos in the Portuguese club’s academy. The Dutchman described him as “the signing of the season”, and as far as Klopp is concerned, Matos has lived up to that billing.

[thaddeus]

https://theathletic.com/2247473/2020/12/09/vitor-matos-jurgen-klopp-liverpool-youngsters/

Here's the free part (emphasis added):

Pep Lijnders calls him “the connector”. He is the man responsible for helping Liverpool’s gifted youngsters adjust to life in the senior ranks.

Vitor Matos keeps a low profile but, behind the scenes, the club’s elite development coach has firmly established himself as a highly valued and respected member of Jurgen Klopp’s backroom staff.

It is just over a year since the 32-year-old arrived on Merseyside, after leaving his role as assistant manager for Porto’s B team.

Lijnders knew exactly what Liverpool were getting, having worked with Matos in the Portuguese club’s academy. The Dutchman described him as “the signing of the season”, and as far as Klopp is concerned, Matos has lived up to that billing.

To be fair to his predecessors we've had a few good years with players coming through the academy after a long lean spell.  Matos seems to be a very good addition though.

I also always find it interesting to get these titbits about Ljinders.  With Klopp having such a dominant persona you could imagine how his backroom staff could become nodding yes men but Ljinders seems very strong in his views (his comments on Jota spring to mind).

[Welshred]

I think we also have to be extremely thankful that Alex Inglethorpe is quietly going about his business at the academy as well whilst articles get written about Matos and Ljinders with their bridging role to the first team.

[Too early for flapjacks?]

Isn't Matos doing Ljinders' old job as the go between academy and first team? Don't think we replaced Ljinders when he left.

[ep1987]

Isn't Matos doing Ljinders' old job as the go between academy and first team? Don't think we replaced Ljinders when he left.

Correct.

[Chris~]

U18s already 2-0 up away to Middlesbrough. No Stewart or Morton who I'm guessing will be with the u23s, which is on lfctv at 1

[jillcwhomever]

U18s already 2-0 up away to Middlesbrough. No Stewart or Morton who I'm guessing will be with the u23s, which is on lfctv at 1

Do we know who has scored?

[Chris~]

Quansah and cannonier

Stewart and Morton do start
https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1337730207684423680?s=19

[Fordy]

Quansah and cannonier

Stewart and Morton do start
https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1337730207684423680?s=19

Pitaluga in goal also. Think this is his first under 23 game.

[jillcwhomever]

Oh Layton how did you not score that? Great cross by Owen Beck.

[jillcwhomever]

1-0 Van den berg.

[HopefulRed]

U18s won 1-4.  Norris (pen) and Blair with the extra 2.

[Chris~]

Keeper got a bit lucky. Never looked like getting there first

[jillcwhomever]

Yes, it was a bit optimistic. He did a great throw before though. Bearne is playing well today.

[scout94]

A lot of rumours from twitter that Balogun might be joining us.

[HopefulRed]

A lot of rumours from twitter that Balogun might be joining us.

I thought that was a summer rumour.  Can’t see us prioritising a striker when the pandemic means funds are short and we have a few.  Unless origi is being sold in January.

[Floop]

Balogun is out of contract next summer, so I'd imagine if it happens it would be then.

[newterp]

Who is Balogun

[Chris~]

Who is Balogun

Arsenal academy striker. If he's leaving Arsenal he needs to go somewhere he's going to play a lot, which is very unlikely to be here.

[phil236849]

On the training pics today on the official site, there is a youngster there in addition to longstaff, cain, clarkson, neco and Phillips- dark hair,outfield.  I suspect it is Layton Stewart or Morton. Does anyone know please?

[Chris~]

Owen beck

[Trump's tiny tiny hands]

Owen beck

Left back? Makes sense.

[ElPayaso]

Left back? Makes sense.

Surprised to see him ahead of Norris?

[Fordy]

Surprised to see him ahead of Norris?

Norris would've been there also if Beck was there.

[Chris~]

Surprised to see him ahead of Norris?

Not really, Beck's been good himself and played a lot more for the u23s this season. Nice recognition for him and there's no need to rush Norris up when he'll get minutes for the u18/23s.