HOW time changes. The last competitive visit to the KC Stadium saw two sides counting down to the end of the season and a drab 0-0 return. It was the last game under Rafa, a 7th placed finish in the league and with all the off-field shenanigans we were entering into a very dark period in the clubs illustrious history.
Those leaving the ground that day could be forgiven for their gloomy thoughts and depressed outlook, just where were we heading?
Yet last night, travelling back down the M62 I was personally brimming with confidence and excited for the future of the club. A 3-0 win away from home in the quarter final of a competition will do that to you, but it wasn’t just the result – it was the performance that was so impressive. As a team Liverpool looked a class act with individuals shining brightly.
On paper, Liverpool were always going to be favourites what with playing at that higher youth level than their opponents tonight as well as boasting stars with international experience, U21/reserve experience and first team experience. Being favourites, however, is not always a desirable label, and for their part, Hull had lost only once this season in all competitions and from the outset had a clear gameplan to counter the Reds.
The first half of the match saw Hull happy to have Liverpool play in front of their two banks of four and once the ball had bypassed the Hull front two there was no press and no closing. The setup was to frustrate and counter, and up until half-time this worked to an extent as Liverpool were restricted to long range efforts.
Half-time brought about a different approach, and as Steve Cooper identified post match, Liverpool altered the rhythm of their attacking play and wanted to take a more varied offensive approach which paid dividends. Both Ibe and Dunn saw more of the ball and caused a constant headache, but Hull stood strong, retained their discipline and organisation and were tough to break down.
A goal was needed to shake things up and it duly arrived in fortuitous circumstances as a short free-kick found its way to an unmarked Lloyd Jones at the top of the six yard box and whilst the defence appealed for offside, Jones calmly slotted the ball home. This opened the game up as Hull had to change their approach and try and take the game to Liverpool, something that despite a number of changes they never really did. They lacked the qualities Liverpool exuded in retaining possession and building pressure.
With the game more open both Dunn and Ibe grew into the game more and it was a wonderful long pass from Jones that saw Dunn cut in from the right, taking the fullback out of the game and finishing delightfully into the far corner; a cushion well deserved. The third and final goal resulted from a glorious through ball from Rossiter that the Hull keeper sliced against Dunn who saw the ball fall kindly so he could roll it into the gaping net.
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In terms of a match report I am aware that was basic and brief, but I wanted to focus on the team performance and some of the shining lights. As a team the maturity and patience shown in the face of a stubborn and disciplined opponent was very impressive. It was yet another test within this cup run that our young lads passed with flying colours.
The Histon game brought an uncertain pitch and intimidating atmosphere, the Leeds match brought the bright lights of Anfield and tonight the lads could have easily forgotten their game plan and resorted to more desperate tactics playing straight into Hull’s hands. This was something Frank McParland also identified and he was keen to stress the age of the side and the fact they put in such a professional and mature performance at their age was the ultimate compliment, let’s not forget the vast majority of this side will still be eligible for this tournament next season.
In terms of individual performances, Lloyd Jones shone very bright (and is a proper old school centre-back – freezing cold night and he wore short sleeves!) He was the commanding centre-half that won headers, mopped up and dominated the opposing centre-forwards. He was calm and collected when in possession of the ball and showed the ability to play accurate long balls and the vision to play the right balls, his assist for Dunn the perfect example.
As for Jack Dunn, he was lively all night and a real thorn in the side of Hull, taking both his goals exceptionally well, particularly his first. Jordan Lussey put in a sublime captain’s performance, breaking up play, retaining possession and recycling the ball. He was constantly an option in the centre of the park and read the game expertly to bring protection to the back four.
Jordan Rossiter is a freak, let’s get that out there! This kid is 15 years old and with Lussey he dominated that midfield. He was everywhere, he can pass he can tackle, he knows where and when to move, he constantly wants the ball and his vision and execution in the third goal was beyond his years. Robbie Fowler has lauded him in recent weeks and it is easy to see why.
Jordan Ibe was a constant outlet and a constant threat; he has that ability to beat players at will and looks so strong in possession. I have highlighted these guys as I believe they stood out tonight in what was a very good performance, and in a time where youth is invested in and given an opportunity, we have players at this age with unbelievable talent.
The future IS bright, the future is RED!
Please come find me on twitter @timdibs
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Good win. I thought Hull more than matched us in the first half, but we were deserving winners by the end. I was also v.impressed by the composure Lloyd Jones showed both in his defending and on the ball.
Ibe, Sinclair and Dunn get a lot of the headlines as they are all capable of dribbling past players and scoring goals, but it’s the midfield of this group of players that I like the most. Tricket-Smith, Lussey and Rossiter (incredible he’s only 15) are players who all see a pass and make the right decisions more often than not on the ball. The front three (especially Ibe) hold on to the ball too long when options are available and simply don’t pass enough. Jordan Ibe is a very talented lad (as his goals in the last round showed) but if he doesn’t start passing and moving more then he’ll go the way of Toni Silva or David Amoo (talented dribblers but whose passing and decision making meant they were moved on)
It was very clear that Hull had a game plan, and in that first half they played it very well. From the vantage point I was at it was easy to see the 2 banks of 4 they laid out and showed incredible discipline to hold it. The response from Liverpool to this was excellent, they showed patience and did not let it effect their game, they showed a maturity beyond their years and reaped the benefits in the second half as the game opened up more.
Lussey and Rossiter were magnificent in the middle of the pitch and absolutely bossed it. Lussey put in a real captains performance and its amazing that Rossiter is only 15. Jones has all the tools in his locker, he was dominant, he covered and tackled well, he was calm on the ball and happy with it at his feet. His distribution was good as well for Dunn’s first goal and minutes later almost created a carbon copy.
I thought Sinclair had a quiet game but Ibe was a constant threat. I see what you are saying about him, but the confidence in the lad and the way he beats players puts him far above Silva and Amoo for me. Obviously he has more to learn but the potential is incredible.
The key thing here, and Frank McParland stressed this, is that this bunch of lads is essentially an U17 side so will have another crack at this trophy next year. They are playing formations and styles akin to the first team and are in a healthy environment for their progression. Some very exciting talent we have at all levels at the club at the moment
I watch all u-21 games and go to see many games at melwood , and I am firmly convinced that this is our ‘golden generation’ similar to man u’s in the early 90s
It’s not just these kids _ it’s the ones like coady sterling Robinson Suso wisdom who have already had a taste of first team .there are many more than the ones I mentioned.
Great credit has to go to Rafa and Kenny for bringing these kids in alongside excellent coaches. It is their excellent work and planning that others will benefit from in years to come
We cannot waste this talent like arsenal have done by not having top players to compliment them. We need a top team , and to be competing for top trophies every year to keep hold of our talent.
We need a top manager and money spent on a few really top players to help bring through the youth – or we spend the next 5 or 6 years like arsenal have done achieving nothing
I am inclined to agree with you there, the talent we have at U21 and U18 from our own academy is frightening, let alone the players we have established in the first team like Sturridge, Coutinho, Allen, Shelvey, Henderson, Borini.
The challenge during these coming years is handling them right, getting the best out of them and readying them for the first team, knowing when to play them, when to rest them and when a loan would be appropriate.
The timing is impecible too, with FFP as well as the PL financial regualtions coming into play a strong youth setup will be crucial, and the work we started years ago will pay dividends and save us millions, and allow the tansfer funds available to be put towards 1 or 2 exceptional players rather than spread across 5 or 6 needed to to provide squad depth!
I was taking you seriously there until you mentioned Allen and Borini, two players not fit for our reserves .
And don’t be so naive into thinking FFP will make much of a difference – if you are involved in business you will know there are many ways around these things as city have already shown . It’s not evenworth mentioning
FFP will only be cheated by a very small fraction of clubs with immensely wealthy owners the rest will live by it.
Yes daboy, and those small fraction of clubs ( city chelsea PSG etc) will entice the best players to their clubs meaning continued success for the rich while we get left behind
An Allen and Borini hater I see! Conversation for a different time.
As a whole of course clubs will find ways round it, and for the clubs you quote, City, Chelsea and PSG we cant compete with them anyway, nobody really can with their resources. It is clear that our club is committed to FFP and that is my point. The club should be self sustaining and producing top class talent from the academy to keep reinforcing the first team meaning that money spent each year will be on 1 or 2 players who are at that next level.
Yes my whole point was – we don’t need or want Allen or Borinis or even sturridges ( who is very good but not top top quality) . We need to spend that money on a Suarez and a van persie – top players now who can supplement the youth.