Liverpool’s future: A look at the academy

Liverpool Football Club visit Manchester United tonight for a place in the Under-21 Premier League final against Tottenham; the reds’ progress to the semi-final of the competition is emblematic of the club’s endeavour to develop their youth setup.

Throughout the 2012/13 season, Brendan Rodgers’ promotion of young players at Liverpool has been pronounced. At the start of the campaign in particular, teenagers like Raheem Sterling and Suso were heavily involved in the first-team due to the club’s lack of senior options in attacking positions.

Whilst a thin squad undoubtedly encouraged the Liverpool boss to turn to youth, Rodgers and the reds’ American owners have a strong policy to build from within, and utilise young players, regardless of circumstances. As recently as Sunday against Fulham, Liverpool Under-21 captain – Conor Coady – came off the bench to make his senior Premier League debut for the Merseysiders.

The reds have invested considerably in youth recruitment and facilities recently – most notably with the building of Kirkby’s Academy Centre in 1998. Four full-size grass pitches were constructed, including one with a Polytan surface. There are also a further seven smaller pitches and an indoor arena. The Academy houses a lecture theatre too, and a computer-equipped classroom in order to further the academic teaching of adolescents plucked from school. The grounds cover an area of 56 acres.

The transition and step-up from one playing level to another has also become more seamless at Liverpool, particularly since Brendan Rodgers’ arrival last summer. The manager’s advocation for a consistent mentality through the club has been vehement; this means each age level – from the senior team to under-12s – are unified by the same footballing style and tactical ethos. “What we are trying to do is organise the club so there is a ‘one-club’ mentality and one shared vision going forwards,” the Northern-Irishman explained. “It's terrific to see we've got some talented players who have promise and over the next number of years we hope to develop that promise and hopefully help them make their way through into the first team. It's very important that the young players feel they have hope,” he added.

With home-grown lads Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard now reaching the latter part of their playing careers, it is vital that Liverpool’s production-line now kicks into action to ensure more scouse talents break into the first-team and strive to evolve into the club’s new local heroes.

Who do you think will make it from the academy to Anfield?


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