Young Steven Irwin initially made a name for himself for Liverpool Under 16s in the 2006/07 season. His impressive performances during that campaign helped him force his way into the FA Youth Cup semi-final squad for the Under 18s to play Newcastle United. To the surprise of many, including himself, he was selected to start against the young Magpies:
“We’d gone up there the day before the game. Steve Heighway (Under 18 Coach) never said anything to me about playing. Then on the morning of the match, he told me I’d be starting. It was my debut for the U18’s.”
Irwin was only sixteen at the time, but he certainly didn’t look out of his depth as he filled in for the suspended Ray Putterill on the left hand side. The young Reds got a fantastic 4-2 victory, helping them to progress to the final where they would play their arch-rivals Manchester United. Although he was an unused substitute in the first leg, he came on as a sub in the second match and impressed many with his performance as Liverpool sealed a second FA Youth Cup in as many years. For the 2007/08 season, he became a first team regular for the Under 18s team and captained the side. Despite a disappointing campaign, Irwin was one of few who impressed during the season and was promoted to Gary Ablett’s reserves side last season.
Despite being at the academy for nine years, it was still a rapid rise through the ranks to Melwood. Two years after playing for the Under 16s, he had progressed to the point where he was on the cusp of the first team, and it was no more than he deserved for some impressive displays. The prevailing thought on Irwin is that he has a “bit of everything.” He has a great touch, a fierce tackler and is a born leader. His ability to read the game is second to none and it’s something he uses exceptionally well in his favoured position of central midfield. He can anticipate opposition attacks, intercept passes to regain possession and press high up when off the ball, but he’s also very brave in the tackle and goes in with 100% commitment. On the ball, he is a composed and cultured player, who carries the ball forward calm and collectedly to initiate attacks, looking to put through crucial passes and getting into positions himself for goal scoring opportunities.
The fact that he can do a bit of everything though does count against him sometimes. His adaptability means he can also play at right or left back due to his excellent positional awareness, tackling ability and reading of the game. Irwin himself has joked himself about his tremendous versatility in the past.
“I’ve played in every single position during my time at Liverpool. I actually played in goal once against Wolves. The goalkeeper got injured after 10 minutes. I had loads of saves to make so I’ll be pushing Pepe Reina soon!”
His preferred position is central midfield and in the coming years he will hopefully establish himself as very capable in the position. Despite his dramatic rise though, Irwin had a frustrating season last campaign, and didn’t start as much as he would have liked for the reserves. The saving grace though was that he was still available for Liverpool Under 18s FA Youth Cup run. He really did excel in the competition last campaign, playing a key role in the side that reached the final, and the highlight of the run was when he scored two goals against Bolton Wanderers in a 4-2 victory.
Such exceptional performances meant he has become a regular in the Liverpool’s reserves this season, either playing at full back or in central midfield. At 19, Irwin is a player to look out for, a Graeme Souness in the making we will have to wait and see.
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feed up read stupid stories like this, not seen anything from this lad that makes me think he’s a star in the making
Totally agree watched a fair few reserves matches and he is no star in the making, a decent championship player maybe. We need potential England players and European players he is neither, lets not having any other star in the making unless they look like it. I usually read these believing there is some substance in the post but this makes me believe other stars in the making are rubbish as well.
he is quality
I’ve watched this lad closely over the last few years and the article may be strongly worded, but this kid is going to be a Liverpool first teamer for a long long time. Real leadership, Carra built his career on solidity and the ability to drive the team on and this lad is better. Much better. And I love Carra!
He is gone mate