U23 & U18 Premier League Preview - Episode 27: Liverpool
Something a little bit different for the Reds. Instead of just highlighting three players, this is a full rundown of every player in the academy and their expected squad roles. Enjoy!
Goalkeepers
Marcelo Pitaluga
- Position: GK
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Brazilian
Brazilian U17 goalkeeper who arrived from Flamengo in 2020 after a recommendation by Alisson. Pitaluga initially started in the U18s but was quickly promoted into the U23s where he appeared four times in 2020/21. He did not play during the pre-season tour but “made the cut” and travelled with the squad to Evian. The plan for him looks a little confusing so far with the goalkeeper moving fluidly between the first team, U23s and U18s.
Oscar Kelly
- Position: GK
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
Kelly is a Liverpool born goalkeeper who has not made an appearance for the club at U23 or U18 level yet but has been named on the bench at both levels. I don’t expect to see much of him this year either but I wouldn’t rule out a loan to a non-league side.
Fabian Mrozek
- Position: GK
- Age: 17
- Nationality: Polish
One of a string of Eastern European goalkeepers who have made their way into the Premier League in recent years, Polish U16 international Fabian Mrozek joined from Wroclaw in 2020 and made nine appearances for the U18s. Similar to Pitaluga, the plan looks a little odd with Mrozek so far as he hasn’t yet nailed down a place in the U18 squad where he faces competition from Davies. I think he will get a similar number of starts (nine) this year.
Harvey Davies
- Position: GK
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
Likely to play at both U18 and U23 level, Harvey Davies has enjoyed a quick rise through the youth system at Anfield. Taken on the pre-season tour ahead of bigger names, Klopp is reportedly impressed with the scouser. He will train with the first team on a regular basis while playing league games at U23 level - probably also appearing in the U18 Youth Cup.
Liam Hughes
- Position: GK
- Age: 19
- Nationality: Northern Irish
Northern Irish goalkeeper Liam Hughes received his first national cap shortly after arriving at the Reds from Celtic in February. Hughes is seen as a “training ‘keeper”, someone who can fit a profile but not necessarily a first team prospect, although he did appear on the bench for a Premier League game - away at Sheffield United - last season. He may get plenty of football this year as the most senior goalkeeper on the books at youth level following the promotion of Kelleher and loan of Jaros.
Luke Hewitson
- Position: GK
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
Having beaten off competition from several other clubs, Hewitson was signed from Sunderland as an U14 player and will enter his first year at U18 level with plenty of competition for game time - likely behind Fabian Mrozek in the league and Harvey Davies in the Youth Cup. As he is still eligible for U16 football (due to an overage exception for goalkeepers) he probably won’t see the field for the U18s until the second half of the season.
Vitezslav Jaros (on loan at St. Patricks)
- Position: GK
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Czech
Having missed an entire season of football due to an injury picked up playing for the first team in preseason, Jaros worked his way back to fitness and is currently halfway through a season long loan to Irish side St Pats where has been an impressive figure. Jaros is one of the most talented goalkeepers to come through at Liverpool, possessing fantastic shot stopping skills and excellent ability with his feet. His loan spell will end midway through the 21/22 season but I expect Liverpool will be keen to get him out again for the second half of the year - especially after he has done so well in the League of Ireland.
Jakub Ojrzynski (on loan at Caernarfon Town)
- Position: GK
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Polish
It caused a lot of head scratching when it was announced the talented Polish stopper had been sent to the Welsh Premier League for the season but Liverpool clearly have a plan in place for the eighteen year old and a focus on playing adult football - against grown men - seems to be the idea. Don’t read into the perceived level of this loan as a knock against Ojrzynski’s ability - he is considered to have genuine first team potential. Ojrzynski will continue to train at the Academy to maintain his full time training whilst playing part time football. He is a bear sized human with a massive wingspan and good reflexes.
Centre Backs
Anderson Arroyo (on loan at Mirandes)
- Position: CB
- Age: 21
- Nationality: Colombian
Strangely the official Liverpool site does not list Arroyo as out on loan despite the fact he has already played twice this season in Spain. Mirandes signifies a step up in quality for Arroyo with LaLiga 2 a stronger division than anywhere he has previously been. He’ll turn twenty-two in September and, given he barely played in four previous loan spells, you expect this to last chance saloon. Typically listed as a right back, Arroyo played in a central role for Salamanca last year and is expected to maintain this position with his new club.
Sepp van den Berg (on loan at Preston North End) - ONE TO WATCH
- Position: CB
- Age: 19
- Nationality: Dutch
Van den Berg had a strong loan spell in half a season with Preston 2021 despite being used as a right wing back. He has returned this year and is expected to play in his more natural centre back position. After having a tough time adjusting to English football, following his arrival from PEC Zwolle in 2019, the silky Netherlands U19 international is finally starting to look like a legitimate first team prospect. He has an excellent passing range, is calm in possession and quick enough to play in a high system. Another strong campaign would surely do his chances at Liverpool no harm.
Billy Koumetio
- Position: CB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: French
Towering French U18 international Koumetio was a victim of over-promotion last season. After a solid season with the U18s in 2019/20, Koumetio travelled on the club’s pre-season tour where in all honesty he looked like a kid playing a man’s game. Then followed a season of inconsistent play where Billy was demoted to the U18s and still struggled. After a second season on tour with the first team, the hope is Koumetio can return to the dominant prospect he once threatened to be in his first year as a full time U23 player.
Jarell Quansah
- Position: CB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
An athletic and tall central defender, Quansah captained the U18s to an FA Youth Cup final and was one of the stand out players for a squad packed with talent. Having come into the U18s as a wing back Quansah eventually transitioned to central defence and was dominant. His physique, pace and technical quality have marked him out as a potential first teamer. A strong showing in his first season at U23 level and don’t be surprised to see Quansah joining the pre-season tour next summer.
Morgan Boyes
- Position: CB
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Welsh
Boyes is a Welsh U21 international who struggled for gametime on loan at Fleetwood Town last season with Liverpool recalling the defender in January after he made just a handful of appearances. Capable of playing at left back, Boyes is a confident player on the ball but lacks aerial prowess and can be quite flat footed on the turn. At this moment he looks to be the backup central defender at U23 level but Liverpool are likely to allow him to move on if the opportunity arises.
Lee Jonas
- Position: CB
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
Jonas was Quansah’s sidekick last season in a stacked U18 squad. This year he projects as the main man. A little slower on his feet than Quansah, Jonas is a hefty defender and a threat from set pieces. This pre-season he has stepped into the U23 squad and impressed with his physical prowess as well as his ability on the ball. This will be a big year for Jonas as the club looks to him to lead a group of young defenders.
Stefan Bajcetic
- Position: CB
- Age: 16
- Nationality: Spanish
Signed from Celta Vigo in January, Bajcetic was quick to move into U18 football gaining 204 minutes across four appearances. The Spanish U17 international will likely start the season at full back but views himself as a central defender, so expect that move to happen towards the middle of the campaign. A cultured and technical player, Bajcetic was a priority signing for the Reds with the defender expected to progress well through the youth system.
Terence Miles
- Position: CB
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
England youth international Terence Miles made eleven appearances at U18 level last season and will begin the season next to Jonas at the heart of the U18s defence. The physical defender is yet another prospect with modern skills such as playing out from the back but his main strength is aerial ability. The scouser will get plenty of game time this coming year with the hope of taking the mantle of the U18s number one CB in 2022. His first team prospects are probably limited by a lack of pace.
Nathan Giblin
- Position: CB
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
The England U16 international defender will be a key figure for the U16s this season but could expect to move into contention for game time at U18 level also.
Michael Laffey
- Position: CB
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
Another central defender who will be a key player at U16 level. Laffey is an England U17 international just waiting for a space to open up but more likely he will have to wait until next season for any serious game time.
Full Backs
Owen Beck
- Position: LB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Welsh
Beck was an understated prospect in the U18s but he almost immediately became the first choice left-back in the U23s last season, arguably outperforming anyone else in the squad, and did a solid job in pre-season with the first team. In that sense the Welshman is similar to his compatriot Neco Williams who also quietly developed into a first team prospect with very little hype. Chances of a first team promotion this season are thin but Beck has made a mark on Klopp and he may think of himself as capable of gaining minutes in cup competitions.
James Norris
- Position: LB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
Diminutive full back is possibly the most naturally talented player in the academy set up. He is an expert in set piece situations and has great crossing and passing ability. In many ways similar to Adam Lewis, Norris can play as a winger or in central midfield. This will be his first season in the U23 team and, given his size, the biggest challenge for him will be proving he can physically cope with the demands of adult football.
Tony Gallacher
- Position: LB
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Scottish
The Scottish defender spent some time with Toronto FC last season, playing nine times but it would be a push to call it an unmitigated success having only completed the full ninety minutes twice. A move to Sunderland broke down over the summer and Liverpool will continue to try and move him on.
Adam Lewis (on loan at Livingston)
- Position: LB
- Age: 21
- Nationality: English
Lewis had a fragmented last season, opting to spend it with French side Amiens; he lost his place in the team in October and was recalled by January. The second half of the season, with League One Plymouth, was little better as he struggled to hold down a place in the team - although he did score against Sunderland and created both goals in a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers. Talent is not in question but he may lack the physical talent to play at the highest level, he could really do with a strong spell in Scotland.
Luke Chambers
- Position: LB
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
England U16 international is set to be the first choice left back in the U18s after Norris aged out. An attacking wing back, he is comfortable on either foot and - like all Liverpool full backs - is a wicked crosser of the ball. The Preston born defender ended last season in the U18 team, scoring in a draw with Burnley. Liverpool’s never ending stream of high level wing backs continues.
Callum Scanlon
- Position: LB
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
Signed from Birmingham City in January, Scanlon could push Chambers hard for game time in the wing back role. An England U15 international, Scanlon was considered one of the best prospects at Birmingham which is itself one of the best academies in the country. A pacey, attack minded player who will expect significant amounts of game time even as a first-year scholar but it may be early 2022 before we see too much of him.
Conor Bradley
- Position: RB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Northern Irish
A Northern Ireland international wingback who was the only underage player consistently in the U23 side last season. Bradley was one of the stand out players, although his return of one goal and one assist may not immediately jump off the page. The former Dungannon youth team player may get into the first team depending on the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams but even if that does not materialise for him no doubt he will be a regular in training to aid his development.
Sean Wilson
- Position: RB
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
Wilson was a regular for the U18s last season but he may find the step up to U23 level to be a tough one. A defence first style full back, he lacks much of the technical proficiency of the likes of Bradley or Williams and is also not as quick. As he physically develops he may find more success by moving to central defence but for the time being I would expect limited minutes from him in 21/22.
Charlie Hayes-Green
- Position: RB
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
Hayes-Green is a full back who made two appearances for the U18s last season ahead of his first scholarship year in 21/22. Capable of playing in central midfield as well as in defence, Hayes-Green is likely to be the primary backup right back for the U18s this year with Sean Wilson promoted to the U23 squad. If Bajcetic is able to move to a central role it will open up chances for him.
Niall Osborne
- Position: RB
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
Another brand new full back to add into the mix. Niall Osborne is a Wigan-born defender and England U15 international. Although Hayes-Green probably starts the season just ahead of him in the pecking order. Osborne can also play in midfield and his versatility should mean he get into the mix over the second half of the season.
Defensive Midfielders
Leighton Clarkson - on loan at Blackburn Rovers - ONE TO WATCH
- Position: DM
- Age: 19
- Nationality: English
Klopp labelled Clarkson as his “Philipp Lahm” following the Clitheroe born midfielder’s Champions League debut at Midtjylland in December. Clarkson is an intelligent defensive midfielder who thinks more about playmaking and time in possession than his defensive responsibilities. Undersized for the position, he relies on his ability to create space and drop deep to pick up possession. Relatively quick for a deep-lying player but clearly in need of further physical development to withstand the rigours of Premier League football. Clarkson does not have the highest ceiling in the academy but he may have one of the highest floors. He is a classy, busy and accomplished midfielder who can thrive in possession based systems. Now on loan at Blackburn he will hope to prove himself capable of returning as a first teamer, much like Harvey Elliott did.
Tom Clayton
- Position: DM
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Scottish
Scottish U21 international Tom Clayton proved his versatility last season when he started at centre back, right back and defensive midfield. Having been a rather clumsy looking defender in his youth, Clayton came on leaps and bounds technically last season and does look like a solid prospect for lower league football in a midfield role. Best summed up as “what you see is what you get”, Clayton is a reliable player with an outstanding work rate but lacking many of the skills required to push for playing time at Liverpool… as a side note the Daily Mail’s “Secret Scout” compared him to Curtis Jones - I struggle to think of a worse comparison.
Matteo Ritaccio
- Position: DM
- Age: 19
- Nationality: American
A composed passer with good defensive awareness, Ritaccio is returning after an extensive lay off from injury he suffered during an U18s game against Man Utd all the way back in 2019. It’s hard to say where his standing is now in terms of earning time on the pitch, especially as his chances of becoming a first teamer were surely lost when he suffered the injury but hopefully we can at least see him back at full fitness in the near future.
Luca Stephenson
- Position: DM
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
Stephenson is another player brought in from Sunderland as an U15 player. The midfielder is a defensively sound and tactically aware holding player but he does have the pace and technical ability to push himself forward when needed as well. In his first year as an U18, Stephenson immediately grabbed hold of the starting DM role and now is expected to be a leader within the group. He may also manage to push himself into the U23 fold although this probably depends on some players being moved on.
Centre Midfielders
Tyler Morton
- Position: CM
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
Combative central midfielder Tyler Morton is something of a throwback in that he loves long passes, long shots and big tackles. He joined the first team on the pre-season tour in 2021 and was impressive despite clearly looking a bit thin for realistic first team action this year. Morton is a natural leader at youth level, taking the armband at both U18 and U23 level. Coming through a year after Jake Cain and Leighton Clarkson, Morton is somewhat under-the-radar but will look to take a starring role for the U23s this coming year.
Elijah Dixon-Bonner
- Position: CM
- Age: 20
- Nationality: English
Dixon-Bonner is an athletic central midfielder who has the versatility to play in attacking and defensive roles. Signed from Arsenal as a sixteen year old, he has never really been able to nail down regular playing time at Liverpool despite often taking the captain’s armband. He went on trial with Portsmouth in July with a view to a permanent move but returned to Liverpool without a contract and will continue to look for opportunities while training with the U23s.
Dominic Corness
- Position: CM
- Age: 18
- Nationality: English
Jake Cain and Leighton Clarkson were somewhat known as a duo coming through the youth system - you couldn’t name one without the other. In a similar, but less high profile way, Corness and Morton have the same relationship. While Morton is the progressive passing number eight, Corness is the deep lying “Clarkson” in the six role. This will be Corness’ first year at U23 level, having made only appearance in the U23s previously, and he will look to establish himself as the starting defensive midfielder - probably in competition with Tom Clayton.
Isaac Mabaya
- Position: CM
- Age: 16
- Nationality: English
Mabaya is an outrageously talented England U16 international who played seventeen times at U18 level before he even left high school. He is a powerful player with a low centre of gravity who loves driving through midfield with the ball and threatening players with his pure pace. As well as this he has great technical ability, although he sometimes looks a little uncomfortable when caught on the turn - he much prefers to dictate the game, not have it imposed on him. He was used at right back for a period last season and was reportedly not happy about it, speculation that has been exacerbated by his omission from the U18s squad at the start of this campaign.
Jayden Danns
- Position: CM
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
Son of former Premier League player Neil Danns, Jayden is a midfielder in the U16 set up.
Paul Murphy-Worrell
- Position: CM
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
After signing for Liverpool as an eleven year old in 2017, Paul Murphy-Worrall will play in the U16s team for this year.
Wellity Omoruyi
- Position: CM
- Age: 15
- Nationality: English
English midfielder who will be spending most of the season at U16 level. He can also play at centre back, as he has done for England at U15 level.