VERDICT
Liverpool has now become the ideal destination for young players looking to develop and have genuine first-team chances.
Over the years, Liverpool have produced some excellent young talent through their academy. Payers such as Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher all came through the system at Melwood.
But there was then another generation of players that included Martin Kelly, Danny Guthrie, Tom Ince, Jon Flanagan and Jordan Ibe. There were good players, but not exactly world-class talents coming through.
Now though, the Melwood conveyor belt is back to it’s best. Over the last few seasons, we’ve seen exciting talents like Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Rhian Brewster, Sheyi Ojo, Ovie Ejaria and Harry Wilson come through, who could all become top players over the next few seasons.
Now though, it’s not just about the academy system. Liverpool is a place that trusts in young players, even when they arrive from other clubs, giving them game time and improving them considerably with coaching. Players like Andrew Robertson, Joe Gomez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dominic Solanke have joined the club and improved substantially since their arrival.
If it wasn’t for the poor timing of their injuries, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gomez would be starting for England at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, such has been their improvement.
Robertson arrived from Hull City last summer and didn’t even get a look in initially, but with the right coaching and a bit of trust, the defender recovered and ended up starting in the Champions League final against Real Madrid and is now the first-choice left-back.
The place for young players used to be Arsenal, they used to give all their youngsters a fair chance and normally they would develop their talents.
But now, that’s all changed. If any teenager, young player or even an experienced player wants to improve and play regular football, Liverpool should be their destination.