There are not many greater indications of the success of a youth academy than the amount of their young stars selected for national sides, and no less than 5 Liverpool youngsters featured for the England U19s as they secured a 1-0 victory over Montenegro in the European Championship Qualifier last night. The numbers could have been even greater still but for injuries to John Flanagan and Jonjo Shelvey. So who are the 5 in question and what does the future hold for them in the professional game?
Andre Wisdom – Captain of England U19s and Liverpool Reserves, the centre half is a commanding presence at the back for both club and country. After scoring at both ends in the England U17s European Championship victory last summer, Wisdom was however sidelined for a few months with a knee injury at the start of the season. He returned to action after the New Year. He made it on the bench for the last game of the season against Aston Villa and also was named in the Europa League squad list earlier in the season. Described as a natural leader and a great communicator, Wisdom is also very adaptable and can play at right back and in central midfield too. Mature beyond his years, and inspiring captain, Wisdom should have a great career ahead of him.
Conor Coady – Captained the England U17s to European Championship glory last summer, Coady was also the captain of the Reds U18s this season. A talented holding midfield player, he has also been tipped as a great centre-half of the future, Named in the squads for the Europa League match against Sparta Prague, as well as sitting on the bench for the 5-0 rout of Birmingham City, Coady looks to have a great future. Reds legend David Fairclough had this to say about the player:
“Without being unfair to Conor, I don’t think he is outstanding at any one particular thing, but he’s a good all rounded footballer with a tremendous attitude and sense of leadership, which is why he is the captain of our youth team and also England’s.”
An equally exciting prospect as Wisdom.
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“Without being unfair to Conor, I don’t think he is outstanding at any one particular thing, but he’s a good all rounded footballer with a tremendous attitude”—-Yeah, because we need another okay at everything world class at nothing, type of midfielder…NOT!!!! The likes of Suso is what we need. Genuine youth TALENT not more hard working grafters with average first touches and negative mindsets going forward. I love this club but at the moment its driving me mental!!!
give these plus sterling,suso,silva a chance in the 1st team