I wouldn't agree with this sentiment. I get your point, but there's no substiute for experience. The other issue is that, whilst we'd like it to be different, everyone who comes through our youth system (like United & WHU) is not good enough to play in the PL, so these players need to get shop windowed in the Championship / League One.
Even with players who may be Liverpool regulars in the future - Guthrie & Hobbs - are you honestly telling me you think their progress will be slower whilst on loan than if they had stayed in the ressies?
I don't disagree about the shop window point. Besides, if they've decided that Antwi will definitely not make it, then it obviously makes sense to have him out on loan, coz there's no point wasting coaching time or wages on him.
But what I'm saying is that IF the club thinks that a 19 year old has a chance of being good enough for Liverpool's first team in two or three or four seasons' time, then he is too young to be out on loan. I think he could learn more in the reserve squad.
Guthrie is an example of someone who has outgrown the reserves, but isnt yet good enough for Liverpool's First XI. Like I said, that's the type of player that loans can benefit. It can make him a better player. And it helps LFC. At worst, we can sell him for more money. At best, we have someone who can make it at Anfield.
I think we may - possibly - have seen the last of Hobbs. I'd make the same comments about him, as about Antwi (they're roughly the same age, although Hobbs is ahead in first team experience). In other words, if we are sure that he aint gonna make it, then fair enough. Loan him out, then sell him. But before his 20th birthday, why not give him top level coaching and play him in the reserves?