With Liverpool being very active in the transfer market trying to sort out the “now”, I thought I would look at how an under 21 Liverpool side would currently look.
Some of these players have already broken into the first team, and also played in the Nex Gen series. We all know not all will make it at Liverpool FC but a number of these have an outstanding chance of having a career in the game.
Have left out Raheem Sterling for the purposes of this article as labelled it as the future and do not see him being part of any future at Liverpool FC, but if Sterling does decide to stay at the club, then clearly would get into the 11 at the expense of Sheyi Ojo.
Here would be my starting 11.
Goalkeeper – Lawrence Vigouroux. The 21 year old keeper joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur youth set up. Not made the match day squad for the full team as yet, and has a real battle on his hands to break past Danny Ward, Adam Bogdan and Simon Mignolet.
Right Back – Joe Gomez. The 18 year old joined the club a matter of weeks ago from Charlton Athletic. Big things are expected of this powerful youngster. Arguably his best position is centre back but for purposes of this article slots in at right back. Expected to go out on loan this season with Derby County looking likely destination.
Source: PA
Left Back – Brad Smith. The Aussie left back has played once for the first team against Chelsea. The energetic player can also play left midfield. Has been out on loan to Swindon Town, likely to be loaned out again this season as well.
Centre Back – Jordan Williams. Can also play central midfield, very versatile player with good technique. Has played for the first team in the League Cup against Middlelsborough, where he also successfully took a penalty kick in the shoot out. Also been an unused substitute in a few matches. Went on loan to Notts County last season.
Centre Back – Lloyd Jones. The 19 year old defender has been on the bench for the first team against Fulham but did not get on. Has been out on loan to Cheltenham Town and last season Accrington Stanley.
Right Midfield – Lazar Markovic. Joined Liverpool from Benfica for £20 million and was tagged as a future star, have seen some glimpses but has been used in a number of positions and with a club underperforming, none of this helped the youngster. I expect to see more of the talent that Benfica saw and Liverpool paid £20 million for this season, either with Liverpool or loaned out possibly abroad.
Centre midfield – Pedro Chirivella. Joined from Valencia where he was highly rated and Liverpool agree with this viewpoint. 18 year old holding midfielder who has been likened to Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets, high praise indeed. Big things are expected of the player.
Centre Midfield – Cameron Brannagan. 19 year old English midfielder, who has been on the bench for the first team but yet to make his debut. Has good composure on the ball and good technique, I expect him to be loaned out next season for experience.
Left Midfield – Sheyi Ojo. Player purchased from MK Dons when aged only 14. High expectations have been put on this player, and certainly has shown flashes of his ability, was loaned to Wigan Athletic last season and made 11 appearances for them, performing very well. I expect another loan spell next season.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Forward – Jordan Ibe. Huge talent, Liverpool purchased the player from Wycombe Wanderers when 16 years of age. Made a couple of appearances and then was loaned out to Birmingham City and Derby County respectively. At Derby he grew as a player and was brought back by Liverpool. Is now on fringes of first team and if he gets a chance next season I think he could be a real star.
Forward – Samed Yesil. 21 year old striker who Liverpool bought of Bayer Leverkusen when he was just 18, has been struck by number of injuries, but managed to get a few games before the end of last season. His record at youth level as a goal scorer is phenomenal and has appeared for Leverkusen first team before being sold to Liverpool. If stays fit, could be a real asset to the club.
That is my eleven, few players missed out who there are high hopes for such as Jordan Rossiter, Sergi Canos, Harry Wilson who is already a Welsh international and Jerome Sinclair.
The future is bright…
Craig Muncey
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