Flaganan is an inspiration to everyone, says Liverpool’s academy director
The sight of a Scouser leading the side out as captain against Southampton last weekend was a proud one for locals, although one dampened by a 3-2 turnaround, after the Reds had led for most of the game.
But simply having the affable 23 year old back in the squad is a bonus, considering his great form prior to injury a couple of years ago and, if Flanagan can return to that kind of form, then Jurgen Klopp will have a real prospect on his hands.
And Liverpool’s academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, believes that the local lad is a true inspiration to those around him for the way he has returned from injury but also the young stars at the academy itself.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “Jon has shown the same sort of gritty determination when he has been injured as he does when he’s on the pitch.
“It’s not been an easy time for him but he has found a way to come back fit, fighting and play games in the first team, and that has been rewarded with a new contract by the club.
“I remember when I first worked closely with Flanno. I was in charge of the U21s and he was training at Melwood at the time but he came to the Academy for a few sessions with our group with Jack Robinson.
“Straight away I was impressed with his professionalism and his attitude to the game. He contests every ball and he plays every moment in training as he does in matches – there’s no difference whatsoever.
“It was a very happy time for me working with him during the games he played with the U21s.
“Shortly after, of course, he was in the first team, but during this period when he also dropped back to the U21 squad for a few games, not one time did he never want to play for the U21s.
“He didn’t complain or moan or show any signs of being impatient and he was a real model professional.
“When he got the first-team chance he had prepared himself mentally and physically to get that opportunity, and it was no surprise to me that he went on to play as many games as he did and continues to do so.”
The full-back has all the right mental attributes to fit into Klopp’s grand plan, although his first game as captain was a mixed one, at best, but we’ve seen enough of Flanagan in his 47 games for Liverpool so far to know that he has ability. The simple fact he earned an England cap in his first full season is testament enough to that.
He continued: “I am hoping Flanno is a huge inspiration to every player at the Academy because at times you do have a bit of a rollercoaster time as a young kid, and they should all look to Jon as a real example of someone who deals with the good times with dignity and the not-so-good times with dignity.
“He just gets on with it and does his work and doesn’t complain or moan.
“He faces every challenge head on, both on and off the pitch, and I think he is a great example to the boys.”
