Liverpool Youth Teams Thread

The Albert
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Premier League U23 Season Preview: Part VI
Leicester, Southampton, Stoke
Leicester City

An excellent second place finish last season for Leicester, narrowly missing out on the title to Chelsea. They reload for this season with largely the same squad so should be a threat once again.

Goalkeepers
Last season’s regular goalkeeper, Victor Johansson, has been allowed to leave for Rotherham and the natural deputy, Daniel Iverson, has gone on loan to Leuven. The gloves will likely pass to Polish U19 international Jakub Stolarczyk, supported by England U18 goalkeeper Oliver Bosworth. Bosworth will be serious competition having won Academy Player of the Year for the U18s.

Defenders
23-year-old centre back Sam Hughes was surprisingly offered a new contract despite an ineffective loan spell with Salford in League Two but will probably head out on loan again as it is unlikely Leicester will register him for the Premier League. Darragh O’Connor came to the club from Wexford in 2019 and should be a regular starter for the U23s. Josh Knight has transitioned from right back to centre back, starting there for the first team in pre-season but he will likely head out on loan after a good two year spell with Peterborough. Darnell Johnson is likely to partner O’Connor in the heart of the defence.

Luke Thomas looks firmly set as the starting first team left back after Leicester refused to bid for Norwich’s Jamal Lewis. Current U18 left back Bailey Aisthorpe is most likely to replace him at this level.

At right back England U19 international Vontae Daley-Campbell could continue to hold down the position. Mitchell Clark will likely head out on loan again. He has just completed a second loan spell at Port Vale and now has his sights set on a higher standard of football. Leicester were left frustrated and “stunned” as Dennis Gyamfi rejected a new contract and will move on a free transfer. The teenager had been promoted to the Leicester first team post-lockdown.

Midfielders
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was set for a loan to the Championship, after impressing at Blackpool last season, but the 22-year-old has put in a strong of man-of-the-match performances in pre-season and may now have forced a route to the first team. Thakgalo Leshabela look set to continue in central midfield where he impressed last season. Callum Wright was also excellent for the U23s and currently will continue there with no clear loan links emerging. Sidnei Tavares, 18, has impressed for the first team in pre-season and Brendan Rodgers has spoken of planning to bring him through more regularly. Callum Hulme and Kasey McAteer will expect increased game time at this level also.

AS Nancy’s Thanawat Suengchitthawon has joined the club also to compete in the three-man midfield rotation. More of an advanced midfielder, the former France youth international is an intriguing prospect.

Forwards
Irish winger Shane Flynn was considered one of the top prospects in the country when he joined Leciester but his development has been slower than expected. Now moving into his first year at U23 level, Flynn has a chance to get his progress back on track. Layton Ndukwu struggled to get on the pitch during his loan at Southend and surely, at 21, needs to give it another crack of the whip. Ali Reghba has impressed since signing from Bohemians and will probably start on the right of the front three.

Former Sheffield Wednesday centre forward George Hirst is to be sent out on loan again according to Brendan Rodgers. The England U20 international was at Leuven last season. Fellow striker Admiral Muskwe will also head out on loan again as his spell at Swindon was cut short due to Covid only a few weeks after signing. Belgian U21 international Josh Eppiah could lead the line with competition coming from Tyrese Shade and newly promoted Dempsey Arlott-John.

Conclusion
Leicester return the bulk of the side that finished last season and, although plenty of loans are likely, look all set to be competitive once again.

Transfers In
Thanawat Suengchitthawon – Nancy – Free

Transfers Out
Connor Barrett – Burnley – Free
Liam Loughlin – Salford - Free
Calvin Bassey – Rangers – Free
Ryan Loft – Scunthorpe – Free
Viktor Johansson – Rotherham – Free
Daniel Iversen – Leuven – Loan
Connor Tee – Free Agent
Ed Elewa-Ikpakwu – Free Agent
Rhys Davies – Free Agent
Justen Kranthove – Free Agent
Faiq Bolkiah – Free Agent

Predicted League Position: 5th
Predicted Line Up:

Stolarczyk
Daley-Campbell O’Connor Johnson Ainsthorpe
Leshabela Wright Tavares
Reghba Eppiah Flynn

Southampton

Southampton have a famed academy for developing Premier League talent, but this has not helped performances last season as they slumped to a 11th place finish.

Goalkeepers
Kingsley Latham has had various loan spells away from St Mary’s, his latest was a short stay at Gosport. At 21-years-old the goalkeeper will probably be looking for another loan spell this year. Tommy Scott was signed for an undisclosed fee from Yeovil in 2019 but saw his minutes limited to just three appearances at U23 level. He is now in position to push his claim as first choice as he battles with England U19 international Jack Bycroft. Harry Lewis is the most talented of the youth team options but the 22-year-old is expected to leave on loan or potentially battle with Angus Gunn for the 2nd choice goalkeeper position behind Alex McCarthy.

Defenders
Austrian U21 international Christoph Klarer tasted senior football in the Austrian Bundesliga last season, managing 13 appearances for St Polten after joining in July. The 20-year-old has not been given a shirt number for this coming season so is likely to be sent out on loan again.

As a result of Klarer’s probable loan, the centre of Southampton’s defence will likely be very young. U18 promotees Allan Tchaptchet, David Agbontahoma and Pascal Kpohoumouh will compete for the starting roles with Tchaptchet and Kpohoumouh the favourites to secure the position as they already have experience at this level. Zurial Otsah-Taiwo and Sam Bailey are other options, coming up from the U18 squad last season.

At left back Jake Vokins had a good run in the first team at the end of the season and will serve as the U23s left back and Ryan Bertrand’s back up. Irish U21 international Kameron Ledwidge is a talented footballer however and is sure to back himself to get ahead of Vokins in the pecking order. Sam McQueen was once the heir apparent to the left back position but the 25-year-old has struggled to recover from a serious ACL injury.

Right back Kayne Ramsey will likely leave on loan. He impressed in a short spell at Shrewsbury Town but is unlikely to break the first team regularly at this stage. Oludare Olufunwa is very highly rated and recently signed a new contract so he should own the role for this season. Olufunwa will be backed up by Ireland U18 international Seamus Keogh.

Midfielders
Will Smallbone broke through into the Southampton first team and with the style of midfield they use he should be able to carve out significant game time. Irish U21 midfielder Thomas O’Connor has a strong loan with Gillingham last season and the 21-year-old may stick around to chance his arm at getting into the match day squad more often. Ethan Burnett has moved up from the U18s and should have a squad role. 17-year-old South African Kgaogelo Chaulke will make regular appearances also.

Callum Slattery looks set for another spell away from the club after failing to make much of an impact at De Graafschap. Lucas Defise will be a mainstay in midfield, as will Alexandre Jankewitz while Caleb Watts and goalscoring midfielder Jack Turner will back them up. 24-year-old Jake Hesketh made his Southampton debut in 2014 but finally looks set to leave the club having failed to do enough on his various loans.

Forwards
Will Ferry should have the left midfield position locked down, the Irish U21 international scored twice and created three goals in ten appearances last season. Right winger Enzo Robise is a French U19 international who has stated his ambitions for the season of making the first XI but he has been overtaken by former Arsenal youngster Nathan Tella, who managed to make his Premier League debut last season and has penned a new three year contract. Josh Sims is another who couldn’t quite take his chances and now at 23 he will probably be moved on permanently.

Dan N’Lundulu, who also harbours hope of a first team call up, will battle with U18 promotee Benni Smales-Braithwaite for the starting centre forward position. There are a host of U18s who could move up too; Ramello Mitchell, Marco Rus, Kazeem Olaigbe and Sam Bellis.

Bycroft
Olufunwu Tchaptchet Kpohoumouh Vokins
O’Connor Jankewitz Defise
Tella N’Lundulu Ferry

Stoke

Stoke City had a solid league showing in 2019/20 finishing in 4th position in Division Two. The squad was one of the older sides in Premier League Two however and some have moved on.

Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping position will be a straight fight between Cameroon’s Blondy Nna Noukeu and U18 promotee Nathan Broome. Broome has had some U23 experience before but Nna Noukeu was named on the first team bench for the EFL Cup tie this weekend which makes him the slight favourite.

Defenders
21-year-old centre back Harry Souttar will head out on loan, Fleetwood and Portsmouth are both interested. William Forrester is expected to start in central defence alongside Mohamed Akandji who has been a huge force for their U18 team in the past two seasons.

Josh Tymon could leave the club; the full back has been a disappointment since joining from Hull City. Vazoumana Karamoko has already left to return to France but he had been overtaken by Ryan Corrigan anyway. The former Everton and Manchester City full back is quietly building a case for first team involvement. Max Murphy spent time with Shamrock Rovers last season and can cover both full back positions. Right back Kieran Coates has been used in the first team during pre-season so should stake a good claim for regular U23 football ahead of fellow promotee Lewis Macari.

Midfielders
Lasse Sorenson is a set piece expert, but the midfielder has been sent out on loan to MK Dons for this season so leaves the squad shorthanded. Tashan Oakley-Boothe managed to break through last season and the 20-year-old could get more chances in the first XI. However, the midfielder will likely still get significant playing time at U23 level. Dan Malone and Pat Jarrett should also be able to nail down places, but Joel Tusevo has been released.

Forwards
Right winger Thibaud Verlinden is recovering from injury so the 21-year-old will spend time at youth level. Soiyir Sanali has been impressive for the U18s and will earn his playing time at this level. Starting centre forward Gabriel Kyeremateng is in the process of leaving for Germany so Ethon Varian will take over from him.

Conclusion
Stoke’s squad should be enough to compete in Division Two but it will be helped significantly with the willingness to drop first team players down regularly. Don’t expect fire works but there are one or two good players here.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
Julian Ngoy – KAS Eupen – Undisc.
Oliver Shenton – Chorley – Free
Cameron McJannett – Derry – Free
Jake Dunwoody – Derry – Free
Josef Bursik – Doncaster – Loan
Lasse Sorenson – MK Dons – Loan
Scott Wara – Free Agent
Ash Kigbu – Free Agent
Tre Pemberton – Free Agent
Abdul Sankoh – Free Agent
James Jennings – Free Agent

Predicted League Position: 6th (Division Two)
Predicted Line Up

Nna Noukeu
Coates Akandji Forrester Corrigan
Oakley-Boothe Malone Jarrett
Verlinden Varian Sanali

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I find it ridiculous and a bit disturbing that City splashing cash even at this level.

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They’ve spent £30m on U23s players in the last three seasons, none of whom have yet made a first team appearance. However, to be fair to them, they do manage to sell players at that level for high amounts as well (and as far as we know those sales are legitimate) such as getting £9m for Uriel Antuna from Chivas or £9m from Schalke for Rabbi Matondo.

Matondo is one to watch by the way, he might be the next one to become a £50m British export to Germany.

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Latest Transfers - U23 & U18
U23
Nathan Dale, 20: Middlesbrough to Gateshead - Free
Tyler Brown, 21: Crystal Palace to Throttur - Free
Tariq Uwakwe, 20: Chelsea to Accrington - Loan
Benny Ashley-Seal, 21: Wolves to Northampton - Undisc
Taye Ashby-Hammond, 21: Fulham to Maidenhead - Loan
Isaac Christie-Davies, 22: Liverpool to Barnsley - Free
Yeboah Amankwah, 19: Man City to Rochdale - Loan
Steven Sessegnon, 20: Fulham to Bristol City - Loan
Sheyi Ojo, 23: Liverpool to Cardiff - Loan

U18
Chanka Zimba, 18: Blackburn to Cardiff - Free
Joshveer Shergill, 18: Leeds to Solihull - Free
Oliver Denham, 18: Man Utd to Cardiff - Free
Zach Booth, 17: Zions Bank Academy to Leicester - Free
Teddy Sharman-Lowe, 17: Burton to Chelsea - Undisc (Immediately loaned back to Burton)

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Incredible reviews. Thanks Sweeting.

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Premier League U23 Season Preview: Part VII

Wolves, Brighton & Newcastle
Wolves

A dreadful campaign for Wolves U23s last time out as they were relegated in 19/20 into Division Two after finishing rock bottom of Division One. However, there are some interesting players in this group, particularly among the younger players that should raise hope of a better season.

Goalkeepers
Danish U19 international Andreas Sondegaard is the clear first choice at U23 level, having held the role for the last two seasons and he has been training with the first team this summer. New signing Matija Sarkic, signed from Aston Villa, has immediately been sent on loan to Shrewsbury. James Pardington spent time on loan at Bath and Stratford last season and had his contract extended in the summer. Last season’s U18s goalkeeper Jackson Smith will likely overtake Pardington as deputy to Sondegaard so expect Pardington to look for a loan spell.

Defenders
Former fusbol player Max Kilman could make a genuine push for first team action as the 23-year-old has had time to settle into the eleven-a-side game. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Christian Marques has spent this pre-season with the first team, and he is expected to jump straight into the U23 squad. Hungarian U19 international Daniel Csoka should be a regular in this team although competition for places is fierce. Former Man City defender Ed Francis was unfortunate to join Grasshoppers on loan just days before Covid restrictions were introduced so he will likely want to go on loan again. Raphael Nya is a former PSG centre back who made twelve starts for the U23s last season. Pascal Estrada, Joseph Joseph and Michael Agboola are all promoted from the U18s in a crowded CB field.

Oskar Burr has moved up the pecking order following Matt Doherty leaving for Arsenal, but the young wing back will still primarily be an U23. Luke Matheson, who signed for Wolves in January following an impressive run of form for Rochdale (including a goal against Manchester United), will most likely be sent out on loan leaving Hugo Bueno to support Oskar Buur in the right back position. The more experienced Dion Sanderson, 20, has attracted a lot of Championship interest and so is expected to leave on loan. Last season he played ten times for Cardiff. Lewis Richards will be the starting left back.

Midfielders
Morgan Gibbs-White has joined Swansea on loan. Bruno Jordao will likely be sent to Portugal on loan as the midfielder is not gaining first team experience at Wolves. 21-year-old Sadou Diallo could be available for loan, he did well in a brief spell at Accrington last season. Former Bayern Munich youngster Meritan Shabani is under offer by Sampdoria.

Wolves signed Hong Wan from Yeovil in 2019 and he could be a regular after a brief loan spell in Croatia. Owen Otasowie and Terry Taylor are both set for loan before October with Taylor on the way to Grimsby. Chem Campbell is a 17-year-old who will see significant playing time at this level. Luke Cundle and Taylor Perry are attacking midfielders that would suit Wolves’ system.

Forwards
Leonardo Campana will probably get a loan spell in Europe before October and Benny Ashley-Seal was recently sold to Northampton Town. Chinese national Zhenyu He will attempt to make the centre forward position his own after five appearances last season – he will be pressured by Austin Samuels and Niall Ennis who could both go on loan.

Conclusion
Wolves have lots of talent, but they also like to loan it out to other clubs. They have enough for a safe midtable finish this season.

Transfers In
Toti Gomes – Estoril – Undisc.

Transfers Out
Benny Ashley-Seal – Northampton – Undisc
Cameron John – Doncaster – Undisc
Boubacar Hanne – Gil Vicente – Undisc
Elliott Watt – Bradford – Undisc
Bright Enobakhare – AEK Athens - Free
Wai Tsun Dai – SZ - Free
Callum Thompson – Bray Wanderers – Free
Toti Gomes – Grasshoppers – Loan
Renat Dadishov – Grasshoppers – Loan
Connor Ronan – Grasshoppers - Loan
Christian Herc – Karvina – Loan
Ryan Giles – Coventry – Loan
Matija Sarkic – Shrewsbury - Loan
Connor Johnson – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 4th (Division Two)
Predicted Line Up:

Sondegaard
Kilman Nya Marques
Burr Wan Campbell Richards
Perry
Zhenyu

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton have quietly rebuilt their academy set up into one of the best in the UK. Predating Potter’s arrival at the AMEX, the academy has a host of exciting players who could very well into the first team.

Goalkeepers
Christian Walton is a highly promising prospect in goal. The 24-year-old has had loan spells at Blackburn, Wigan, Southend, Luton, Plymouth and Bury steadily improving with each one. The England U21 goalkeeper is unlikely to stay and deputise Matt Ryan so he will head out on loan again and perhaps get Premier League minutes this time around. Another promising goalkeeper who will probably head out on loan is 22-year-old Spaniard Robert Sanchez. Sanchez has had loan at Forest Green and Rochdale in the previous two seasons racking up 57 senior appearances.

Adam Desbois is most likely to take the gloves at the start of the season, having served as the second-choice goalkeeper in 19/20. Debois will battle with the very highly rated Carl Rushworth, the England U19 international spent last season on loan at Worthing and was subject of a bid by Barcelona but opted to stay with Brighton. Roco Rees has also been promoted from the U18 squad.

Defenders
Former Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke has returned to Derby for a second straight season. The centre back made 37 starts last season for the Rams. 20-year-old Leo Ostigard has gone to Coventry City on loan. The move is slightly surprising as Ostigard was tipped for a Championship move after a stellar season with St Pauli last year.

Haydon Roberts is one of the most highly rated prospects in the country. Yet another centre back to come through Brighton’s system, the defender is wanted by Leeds and Derby but a loan move to Sunderland looks more realistic for the 18-year-old at this point. Kipras Kazukolovas is working his way from a major injury and will compete for a starting role in the U23 squad although Brighton U18 captain Antef Tsoungui is also likely to spend most of his minutes in the U23 line up. New signing Lars Dendoncker is a shoo-in to start for this season.

Left back Alex Cochrane has been the regular starter at U23 level for the previous two years and the England U20 international is now set to join Portmouth on loan. James Furlong, signed from Shamrock Rovers last year, should take over from him.

At right back, former PSG man Romaric Yapi looks set to continue as the first choice, although he must want a chance to compete with Tariq Lamptey for the first team right back position. Ayo Tanimowo and Sam Packham will also be available having just been promoted.

Midfielders
Irish U21 captain Jayson Molumby is in the strange position of having more senior caps for Ireland than he does Premier League appearances for Brighton. After a highly impressive loan spell at Millwall, the midfielder will either be sent out again or made part of the first team squad. Romanian midfielder Tudor Baluta is in a similar situation, he holds seven caps for the senior Romanian squad but has yet to feature for Brighton since signing eighteen months ago. The midfielder will most likely go on loan again after a good spell with ADO Den Haag in 19/20. Max Sanders played well on loan at Wimbledon last season and will likely get a Championship loan this time around.

Jensen Weir has been brought in from Wigan for £500k and the England U18 international will likely start at U23 level before going on loan either in January or next season. Next to him will be the impressive Teddy Jenks, whose development will likely follow a similar path. Marc Leonard, formerly of Hearts, and Jack Spong will also be included in the central midfield rotation. 17-year-old Australian Cameron Peupion will move between the U18 and U23 sides so could get significant minutes.

In the attacking midfield role, former Luton midfielder Stefan Vukoje could get the nod but likely only if Peter Gwargis is sent on loan. Gwargis is a winger naturally but, as that doesn’t suit Potter’s first team style, has transitioned into the attacking midfield role.

Forwards
Another player who learned to switch position is Viktor Gyokeres, who now plays as a centre forward. He spent last season with St Pauli and scored seven times. He has made it clear he expects to stay and fight for a role in Brighton’s first team, which does seem to be a viable pathway as Glenn Murray left the club leaving only Aaron Connelly and Neal Maupay as striking options. Jan Mlakar had a disappointing season and has been sent on loan to Maribor with an uncertain future/

Danny Cashman will likely lead the line again for Brighton. The striker had five goals and eight assists last season. Lorent Tolaj will provide excellent competition, the Swuss U19 international made headlines when he scored eight goals in a single game, during Euro U19 qualifiers, in a 16-1 win over Gibralter. Ben Wilson has also moved up from the U18 squad.

Conclusion
Brighton have youth an full internationals at every position with clear and realistic pathways to the first team. Over the next few years, they aim to become THE pathway for young players into the Premier League. This U23 squad looks high quality and capable.

Transfers In
Jensen Weir – Wigan - £500k
Lars Dendoncker – Club Brugge – Free

Transfers Out
George Cox – Fortuna Sittard - £45k
Archie Davies – Crawley – Free
Kacper Lopata – Sheff Utd – Free
Bajon Radulovic – AIK – Free
Lewis Freestone – Cheltenham – Free
Hugo Keto – HJK Helsinki - Free
Jan Mlakar – Maribor – Loan
Leo Ostigard – Coventry – Loan
Matt Clarke – Derby – Loan
Warren O’Hara – MK Dons – Loan
Taylor Richards – Doncaster – Loan
Ryan Longman – Wimbledon - Loan
Tom McGill – Crawley - Loan
Luca Cocoracchio – Free Agent
Ben Clark-Eden – Free Agent
Jordan Davies – Free Agent

Predicted League Position: 7th (Division One)
Predicted Line Up:

Desboi
Yapi Tsoungui Dendoncker Kazukolovas Furlong
Weir Jenks
Gwargis
Cashman

Newcastle United

Newcastle’s disfunction does not only impact the first team. Their academy system should be thriving player factory, with almost total control over the football mad city. However, despite results looking favourable this covers over huge issues with Newcastle’s squad composition – their U23 squad is one of the oldest in Premier League Two.

Goalkeepers
Freddie Woodman had a very good season with Swansea last year and he has been sent back to the Welsh club to repeat the trick. Woodman believes he will be given a chance to become Newcastle’s first choice goalkeeper in 2021. Former England U19 international Jake Turner has joined Morecambe on loan also.

Dan Langley, who didn’t play for any academy until he was 16 years old, will take over as the U23s first choice this season supported by U18 promotee Will Brown.

Defenders
Kelland Watts has joined Plymouth on loan having been at Mansfield last season. 23-year-old Stefan O’Connor was released by Newcastle last season but eventually re-signed, he has been a regular at U23 level but still has not made his first team debut. U23 captain Owen Bailey has set his sights on a first team breakthrough after playing well in pre-season. Ludwig Francillette was spotted by Newcastle’s French scout playing in a sixth-tier fixture and was signed after a brief trial.

Lewis Cass was first marked as a first team potential player by Rafa Benitez back in 2019. The centre back has since been a regular at U23 level and flirted with a breakthrough to the first team. Another centre back in a squad packed with them is Oisin McEntree, and Irish U19 international and former U18 captain. Jude Swales and Lucas Gamblin have also just moved up from the U18 squad. Newcastle must surely make use of the loan market to get some of these players out and playing senior football.

Oliver Walters will start at left back and Connor Barrett, who was promoted to first team training last season, will slot in at right back. Tai Ebanks, who has just moved up from the U18 squad, will compete with him for the position.

Midfielders
After almost 100 appearances at U23 level, it is surely now make-or-break for 23-year-old Dan Barlaser who spent last season on loan with Rotherham. The midfielder signed a new contract in June and has impressed in pre-season but Championship clubs are interested to take him on either loan or permanent deals. Mo Sangare has rejoined Accrington on loan.

New signing from Liverpool, Niall Brookwell, is a sure-fire starter for the U23s and can play in either the holding or box-to-box positions. Kyle Scott joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2019 and said he had been given assurances on his pathway to the first team, but the 22-year-old missed almost all the season through an injury and will need to work his way back. A loan is possible, or he may stay in the U23 squad. Jack Young was taken with the first team for multiple games last season and the dynamic midfielder could take over the captaincy for the U23 squad. Stanley Falherty and George Rounsfell are new additions to the U23 squad having just moved up from the U18s.

Forwards
Tom Allen is considered Newcastle’s brightest prospect by many fans and the versatile winger, who turns 21 this month, has gone to Accrington on loan. Rosaire Longelo is a converted full back who now pushes into the right-wing position and so far he has performed well in his new position, scoring seven times in thirty appearances. Adam Wilson is a former England U19 international and he will hold the left-wing role.

Elias Sorensen has been loan listed, the Danish U20 international has had disappointing loan spells at Carlisle and Blackpool in the last two years. Swiss striker Yannick Toure will likely lead the line. Toure improved massively after Christmas, finally finding his feet in England after an impressive run with Young Boys U21 side where he scored 23 goals in 23 games. U18 promotee Kain Reed can play upfront or drop into midfield and will provide back up.

Conclusion
Newcastle need to have a clear out at this level. The majority of their squad are older than 20 and chances for U18s to break through are increasingly difficult as older players with very little chance at first team football block their development. Loan manager Shola Ameobi needs to re-double his efforts and the entire system needs a rethink. Despite all that, Newcastle – because they are an older team – will likely paper over the cracks with some good results.

Transfers In
Niall Brookwell – Liverpool - Free

Transfers Out
Victor Fernandez – Viitorol – Free
Luke Charman – Darlington – Free
Tom Allen – Accrington - Loan
Jake Turner – Morecambe – Loan
Freddie Woodman – Swansea – Loan
Kelland Watts – Plymouth – Loan
Mo Sangare – Accrington – Loan
Liam Gibson – Free Agent
Nathan Harker – Free Agent

Predicted League Position: 3rd (Division Two)
Predicted Line Up:

Langley
Roberts Cass Bailey Walters
Young Brookwell Scott
Longelo Toure Wilson

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The amount of time spent behind the enemy line and the detailed surveillance done by @Sweeting will soon be rewarded by being recruited by Bielsa.

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Latest Transfers - U23 & U18
U23
Bruno Jordao, 21: Wolves to Famalicao - Loan
Aiden O’Neill, 22: Burnley to Melbourne - Undisc.
Terry Taylor, 19: Wolves to Grimsby - Loan
Ismaila Diallo, 18: Arsenal to Burnley - Free
Ivan Ilic, 19: Man City to Verona - Loan
Dylan Levitt, 19: Man Utd to Charlton - Loan
Tyrese John-Jules, 19: Arsenal to Doncaster - Loan
Stephen Wearne, 19: Middlesbrough to Sunderland - Free
Sam Stubbs, 21: Middlesbrough to Fleetwood - Undisc.

U18
Matthew Hall, 17: Southampton to Harrow - Loan

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Premier League U23 Season Preview – Part VIII
Man Utd, Aston Villa & Swansea
Man Utd

Promoted back to Division One this season, Man Utd have a strong a deep squad capable that should also see plenty have opportunities to move to first team level.

Goalkeepers
Man Utd surely do not have the brass neck to put Dean Henderson back into the U23 squad. He will have to be considered at the very least a strong back up for an ailing David de Gea. Joel Pereira spent last season with Hearts and the former Portuguese U21 goalkeeper has this time joined Huddersfield but with Dean Henderson, a year younger than Pereira, emerging as a number one options he must surely feel he is playing to secure a contract at a new club. Alex Fojticek has also left the club, joining Blackpool on a free transfer. Czech U20 international Matej Kovar was first choice U23 goalkeeper last season but he has left to join Swindon Town on loan.

Nathan Bishop, signed from Southend in 2019, is expected to start the season as first choice U23 goalkeeper although a loan spell is not out of the question as he already had 31 League One starts to his name before joining Man Utd. Paul Woolston joined the club as a free agent after being released by Newcastle and he will continue to serve as the back up U23 goalkeeper this time around. Jacob Carney is also around the squad to compete with Woolston. Finally, Ondrej Mastny has been promoted from the U18 squad. The Czech goalkeeper could push for the starting job also in what is an extremely bloated goalkeeping department for Manchester United.

Defenders
Axel Tuanzebe has again been made available for loan and Leeds are interested in taking him. Tuanzebe finds himself in a tough position in the squad, not quite trusted for regular action but highly rated enough to be useful. The 22-year-old could do with a clear path to regular football as he is a Premier League standard player. Timothy Fosu Mensah could be on the verge of a move to Bundesliga with two unnamed clubs reportedly chasing him on a loan deal. A loan spell is also beckoning for Max Taylor. The defender made headlines when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 but has thankfully recovered enough to be able to continue his career; MK Dons are the most likely landing spot for the 20-year-old. Di’Shon Bernard is wanted by Huddersfield and Coventry, with Man Utd willing to sell the 19-year-old.

Luca Erlocani is a versatile defender and captained Man Utd U23s last season. He looks set for another year in the job. Next to him will be Teden Mengi. Mengi somewhat surprisingly came from nowhere to appear in Man Utd’s first team last season and he has impressed in the U23 squad in pre-season. Lukasz Bejger, once the subject of a transfer battle between Man Utd and Man City, will provide back up.

At left back, Cameron Borthwick Jackson has left the club with U23 manager Warren Joyce admitting the club made errors in their handling of his development. Reece Devine, signed from rivals Man City, will be the first choice left back. Right back Ethan Laird has a decision to make because o Diego Dalot’s future is in doubt. Laird is one of the highest rated prospects at the club and could make his breakthrough this season, but he also is awash with high level loan offers. Most likely he will go on loan to get some experience. Phil Neville’s son, Harvey, will be the starting right back is Laird does seek first team football elsewhere.

Midfielders
James Garner can take his pick of Championship clubs to move to. The 19-year-old is a brilliant midfield prospect, but he certainly needs some adult football to pad out his CV and toughen him up a bit as he does have a very slight frame. Aliou Traore has joined Caen on loan for the season. Dylan Levitt has secured himself a season long loan deal at Charlton, who are excellent at developing youth prospects.

Arnaud Puigmal is a highly rated midfielder who will likely spend the season in the U23s and training with the first team. The player Man Utd fans are excited about now however is Ethan Galbraith. Galbraith is a Northern Ireland U21 international and some are already expecting him to break into the first set up this season. More likely is that he will challenge for cup appearances while staying in the U23s.

There is a host of promotions from the U18s – Charlie McCann, Hannibal Mejbri, Max Haygarth, Charlie Wellens and Mark Helm are all primarily central midfielders entering their first season at this level. McCann and Mejbri are most likely to compete for the starting job in the U23 squad.

Forwards
Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes have long been forseen as the future of Man Utd but both were overtaken by the excellent Mason Greenwood last season. Angel Gomes has moved on to Lille and Tahith Chong will spend this season on loan with Werder Bremen.

Connor Stanley is most likely to start in the wide right position, taking the role from Chong. Stanley appeared at first team training last season. In the left winger role, Anthony Elanga, a Swedish youth international, will be the first choice. Elanga is Portuguese born but declared for Sweden and his pace makes him a dangerous prospect and potential first team option in time.

D’Mani Bughail-Mellor established himself as the starting centre forward last season but faces a massive task to hold onto that role as Dutch U17 international Dillon Hoogewerf looks to force his way into the side also.

Conclusion
United were shockingly relegated in 18/19 but bounced back at their first attempt. The current squad look much more solid and together than recent years, with talented players in ever position. A solid mid-table finish is most likely.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
Angel Gomes – Lille – Free
George Tanner – Carlisle - Free
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – Rochdale – Free
Ethan Hamilton - Peterborough – Free
Alex Fojticek – Blackpool – Free
Largie Ramazani – Almeria – Free
Demetri Mitchell – Blackpool – Free
Oliver Denham – Cardiff – Free
Ben Hockenhull – Brenford - Undisc
Tahith Chong – Werder Bremen – Loan
Joel Pereira – Huddersfield – Loan
Aliou Traore – Caen – Loan
Matej Kovar – Swindon – Loan
Dion McGhee – Free Agent
Aidan Barlow – Free Agent
Kieran O’Hara – Free Agent

Predicted League Position: 6th (Division One)
Predicted Line Up:

Bishop
Neville Erlocani Mengi Devine
Puigmal McCann Galbraith
Stanley Bughail-Mellor Elanga

Aston Villa

It hasn’t quire gone to plan for Aston Villa at youth level. After winning the NextGen Series (the unaffiliated precursor to the UEFA Youth League) Villa looked to have a dynamic academy full of talent ready to elevate themselves into the first team. With the notable exception of Jack Grealish though very little has come out of Villa’s academy since with Keinan Davis and Ezri Konsa the only other players even remotely considered a success story. Last season they finished 7th in Division Two and have started this season badly, with an embarrassing 8-1 defeat to Sunderland in the EFL Trophy.

Goalkeepers
Matija Sarkic has moved on to local rivals Wolves on a free transfer and is replaced in goal by Viljami Sinisalo, a Finnish U17 international. Hungarian Akos Onodi will provide competition to him.

It’s a straightforward competition between the two in goal although Jed Steer may occasionally drop down from the first team.

Defenders
Dominic Revan was on the verge of a first team breakthrough back in 2018, but the promotion to the Premier League ended those opportunities for him. He will still be a mainstay of this U23 defence for the coming season. Mungo Bridge will partner Revan at centre back, the defender stands out for his dreadlocked hairstyle and has been in the first team picture for the best part of six months now; training with the squad every day. Myles Sohna will offer cover for the pair having signed a new deal this summer.

Callum Rowe is likely to start the season at left back while Bradley Burton will probably beat out James Walker to start at right back. Walker is the older of the two but Burton played well stepping up to U23 level last season.

Midfielders
Callum O’Hare has left to join Coventry. Lewis Brunt, who nearly left Villa in 2019, will come into midfield alongside the highly rated Jacob Ramsey and Michael Tait. Jacob Ramsey is a highly promising player, he started for the first team in a recent pre-season fixture against Arsenal and scored twice. Harrison Sohna, twin brother of centre back Myles, will provide a cover across all of midfield.

Forwards
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy is the latest in a long line of highly touted Aston Villa youth to fail to make the grade and leave on a free – see also: Andre Green. Jordan Cox is a 21-year-old winger whose last loan spell was at Droitwich Green so hopes on him being a useful player at this level are quickly fading. U18 promotee Charlie Farr should be able to get some game time on the right wing where Tyriek Wright is his main competition.

Indiana Vassilev is a good left winger who can also play in the 10 role. Vassilev did make cameo appearances for the first-time last season and is probably the nearest in the U23 squad to making a permanent move to the first team squad. Jaden Philogene-Bidace is a highly rated 18-year-old who was wanted by Liverpool and Man Utd before he signed his pro deal at Villa Park and will compete with Vassilev.

Cameron Archer was last season’s U23 forward and he has signed a new deal this summer but may find his place under threat by former Barcelona and West Brom striker Louie Barry; once considered the best player in the world at his age group although his poorly planned move to La Masia seems to have dulled his shine a little bit.

Conclusion
Aston Villa do still have some talent in this squad and they’ve done a good job of getting rid of players, even if many of them were for free. They still lack depth and general quality all around, however.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
James Bree – Luton - Undisc
Rushian Hepburn-Murphy – Pafos – Free
Matija Sarkic – Wolves – Free
Callum O’Hare – Coventry – Free
Jack Clarke – Yeovil - Free
Andre Green – Free Agent
Jake Doyle-Hayes – Free Agent
Dimitri Sea – Free Agent
Colin Odutayo – Free Agent
Anton Hooper – Free Agent
Jack Birch – Free Agent
Isaiah Bazeley-Graham – Free Agent
Jamie Searle – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 9th (Division Two)
Predicted Line Up:

Sinisalo
Burton Revan Bridge Rowe
Tait Brunt Ramsey
Wright Vassilev

Swansea

With a young first team, the pathway is clear for Swansea’s youngsters but many of the best have already moved up and squads at first team and youth level are looking very thin.

Goalkeepers
Steven Benda was with Swindon Town last season and led them to the league title. He will serve as the club’s primary backup to loaned in Freddie Woodman. Josh Gould should be able to rotate in to the U23 squad when Benda is unavailable. Lewis Webb and Alex Rutter are depth options.

Defenders
U23 regular Brandon Cooper has joined Newport on loan. Joe Lewis is a 20-year-old centre back who spent last season loan with Torquay and will expect to be a regular in the U23 squad. However, unless Swansea manage to bring in more cover, he could be the first reserve for the first team also. Cameron Evans made the first team bench during the Championship playoffs last season and has been involved with the first team in pre-season. Benjamin Erickson will likely be a back up for Lewis and Evans.

Tivonge Rushesha is entrenched as first choice right back and it would be surprising if the Welsh U19 international did not make some first team appearances this year also. Former Real Madrid youngster Jordi Govea has recovered from a long-term injury and will compete for the left back role with Matthew Blake. Jacob Jones, moving up from the U18s, is also recovering from a long-term layoff.

Midfielders
Daniel Williams, a Welsh U19 international, will start in centre midfield and probably be partnered with Ryan Bevan next to him who moves up from the U18 squad. Midfielder Rio Campbell signed for Swansea from Watford in January and should be able to handle a move up to U23 level.

Forwards
Operating as a number ten will be Welsh U21 international Oliver Cooper – yet another player who could have first team ambitions. Jordan Garrick has already moved up but will still be available for the U23s. Garrick is a right winger and widely regarded as Swansea’s brightest attacking talent. Centre forward Liam Cullen will lead the line, he has made some brief forays into the Swansea first team previously.

A bunch of wingers from the U18 team will probably move up; Bradley Gibbings, Ali Al-Hamadi and Charlie Clancy.

Conclusion
Swansea are threadbare but that shouldn’t be a major issue with the reduced schedule of a PL2 season. What may affect results is the impact of youth players filling squad roles for the first team and that will happen often.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
Kees de Boer – ADO Den Haag – Free
Cameron Berry – Inter Leipzig – Free
Connor Shields – Inter Leipzig – Free
Will Rickard – Burnley – Free
Brandon Cooper – Newport – Loan
Jack Evans – Pafos – Loan
Marc Walsh – Free Agent
Tom Price – Free Agent
Keiran Evans – Free Agent
Mason Jones-Thomas – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 8th (Division Two)
Predicted Line Up:

Benda
Rushesha Lewis Evans Govea
Williams Bevan
Garrick Cooper Gibbings
Cullen

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Considering the profile of the destination clubs, I assume these players are pretty good. Right?

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I was hoping someone, anyone, might have information on Matteo Rittacio.
Yes it’s mostly becuase he is a USA citizen and I wanted to see how he’s progressing (or if he’s progressing). It’s also because I can seem to find opinions or blurbs on almost everyone else in the U23s but him – which might be all I really need to know.

That said - he wasn’t released or sold or shifted like other U23s that weren’t going to make it at Liverpool. I also know he had a fairly substantial injury last year.

It looks like he’s been kept on as a midfielder in this U23 squad, and I’m assuming he’s mostly a squad player and has very little chance (if any) to ever play for the 1st team, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have a good career as a pro somewhere.

So if anyone has any news or rumours or opinions — I’d love to hear them.

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All I know is I saw him ( via LFCTV) in a few games last season and thought he did well.I suspect his injury is the reason nothing seems to be said about him. As you know LFCnever rush recoveries, always take the time to make the best recovery.

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Thanks Costared, much appreciated.
I’m just glad that someone has seen him. I get the feeling he may not stand out for good or bad in many games since not much gets written on him even when he plays. I may get LFCTV this year since I now work from home. I couldn’t have watched it in my office last year, but it might be fun to see more of the U23s.

And I for one am really happy that LFC doesn’t rush recoveries to injuries.

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He hasn’t played a massive amount. When I saw him in his first season he was a defensive midfielder - composed in possession, quite tall, able to put a foot in.

Second year club tried to expand his skillset by moving him forward (playing as a right winger) and in fairness he did OK, scored against Man Utd but then got injured and that was his year done.

He’ll probably be Leighton Clarkson’s back up in the DM role this season; competing with Liam Coyle.

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Just want to say that the work you put in on youth football for free here and on TIA before it @Sweeting is probably worthy of a paycheck so big thanks for putting in such massive efforts and making it available for us all.

On an interesting aside I’m stuck using an old mobile handset as I broke my proper phone a couple of weeks ago and typing in paycheck instantly brought up Pacheco as a spelling suggestion! Talk about blast from LFC youth past!

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Premier League U23 Season Preview – Part IX
Blackburn, Reading & LIVERPOOL
Final Installment of this series, thanks to everyone who has read some of it. I think in total it clocked in at around 15,000 words! PL2 starts this weekend - Liverpool vs Everton, 1pm Sunday.
Blackburn

Blackburn have an above average youth side for a Championship team and finished level on points with Man City in Division One last season (with a game in hand). With a good youth spirit at the club there is plenty of opportunity for promotion to the first team.

Goalkeepers
22-year-old Andy Fisher has progressed into the first team picture at Blackburn but appears to be a development player for the coming season. He was the second-choice goalkeeper at MK Dons last season and will probably serve that position for Blackburn this year unless Blackburn can bring in another option so he can leave on loan.

Joe Hilton and Jordan Eastham will compete for the U23 starting role. Joe Hilton, formerly of Everton, is probably the presumptive starter.

Defenders
Scott Wharton and Hayden Carter are in consideration for the first team squad to pair with Darragh Lenihan, who is currently the only senior centre back at the club. If Blackburn, on limited resources, can bring in other option then the two will be allowed to leave on loan. Another option is Tyler Magloire. The speedy central defender has injury issues that affected his loan spell at Rochdale last season but if he is fully fit he could be a solid option for the first team. Loan or first team, none of Wharton, Carter or Magloire are expected to be in the U23s this year.

Joe Grayson could stay at the club after an injury plagued 2019, meaning he is most likely to start at U23 level. Sam Barnes has been identified by manager Tony Mowbray as a potential first team central defender and is regular at this level. Louie Annesley signed from Gibraltar’s Lincoln FC is 2019 and is part of the rotation at U23 level. Flavien Boyomo was a regular at U18 level but is hesitating on signing a new deal with significant competition.

Left back Sam Hart, a former Liverpool youth, has been released and Lewis Thompson will be allowed to leave on loan, but until then he will be the first choice. If and when he does leave, Jake Garrett will take over. At right back, Dan Pike from the U18s will move up and should secure that role.

Midfielders
Brad Lyons, 23, only joined Blackburn in 2018 after being a regular at Coleraine. The midfielder has played well in pre-season but really needs to push on with his career now so first team is surely his only option. Stefan Mols will leave on loan if the club can sort the right deal. John Buckley should also see first team action this season.

Isaac Whitehall has moved up from the U18s and looks set for a season starting in the U23 team. James Connelly and Jalil Saadi will back up the midfield options. Saadi is flexible enough to slot in at centre back when required also. Tyrhys Dolan, a new arrival from Preston, should slot into the attacking midfield role in either the 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-1-2 formation that Blackburn operate.

Forwards
Joe Rankin-Costello may be in the process of moving position, he normally is a striker but has switched to right back during this pre-season and could be a first team option there below Ryan Nyambe. Harry Chapman plays either on the right wing or upfront and is another one who has done well this pre-season.

Left winger Ben Paton is set for a loan spell while 18-year-old Luke Brennan will start on the left wing, unless rumoured interest from Liverpool and Leeds comes to fruition. U18s winger Brandon Lonsdale is another rotational option.

Striker Daniel Butterworth has made a push for the first team previously, but injuries have harmed his chances at key points. Jack Vale is close to the first team after a good pre-season, although he more of a facilitator in the forward roles than a goal scorer and will be limited to chances in a front two. Connor McBride has arrived on a free transfer from Celtic and Sam Burns had a prolific run in the Youth Cup last year and he completes the striking options.

Conclusion
Blackburn have a problem at first team level with squad options but thankfully a good quality youth set up will allow them to supplement options at the highest level. Results may not be great in Division One but Blackburn are creating a healthy number of players.

Transfers In
Tyrhys Dolan – Preston – Free
Connor McBride – Celtic – Free

Transfers Out
Matty Platt – Barrow – Undisc
Chanka Zimba – Cardiff – Free
Jack Evans – Forest Green – Free
Charley Doyle – Stalybridge – Free
Tom White – Bolton – Loan
Sam Hart – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 12th (Division One)
Predicted Line Up:

Hilton
Pike Grayson Barnes Thompson
Buckley Whitehall
Durrant Dolan Brennan
Chapman

Reading

Reading finished 9th in Division Two last season and have made the interesting decision to release most of that squad. Fifteen players have been allowed to walk away for free with the focus now shifting to the younger players. A good decision for the long-term future but one that will probably see results suffer this campaign.

Goalkeepers
Luke Southwood has overtaken Sam Walker to become established as Reading’s second choice goalkeeper. In lieu of Southwood being available at U23 level it is likely that Icelandic U19 goalkeeper Jokull Andresson will take the gloves and be backed up by James Holden.

Defenders
Tom McIntyre has developed into a starting quality first team centre back and possibly even a future club captain. 20-year-old Tom Holmes should be able to get into the first team rotation but mostly he will lead the U23 squad. Tennai Watson made his debut for Reading four years ago but the defender has only managed seven appearances in total and will be allowed to move on permanently.

Jeriel Dorsett is a centre back or left back who has played in pre-season following his promotion to the U23 side. Nelson Abbey, 17, is a quality defender who will probably be promoted to the U23 squad by January.

U18 Imari Samuels is a left back who has pushed for first team action despite his young age and should be able to hold the U23 position, especially if Ethan Bristow moves to a wide midfield position.

Midfielders
Ryan East made his debut in 2019 but the U23 captain has not got near the squad since and is available for transfer. A loan move has been mooted for him. Jordan Holsgrove is likely to move on also and the midfielder has been linked with a move to Celta Vigo and is currently not in Reading’s first team plans.

England U18 midfielder Dejan Tetek is pushing for U23 action while Oliver Pendlebury will still hold the centre and was probably Reading’s best player last year. Connor Lawless has been steadily moving back throughout his Reading career and the one-time striker is now a defensive midfielder and emergency full back. Kian Leavy will provide cover.

Left winger Joseph Ajose did not get much playtime last season after joining in January from Port Vale but the winger should see plenty of action competing with Ethan Bristow. Right winger Femi Azeez was one of the few regulars from last season to survive the cull of the squad and he signed a new deal.

Forwards
Sam Smith is unlikely to be a Reading player for much longer as the striker has disappointed on various loan spells and has not been offered a squad number for this year.

Augustus McGiff has compared himself, ambitiously, to Roberto Firmino so should be an interesting prospect to watch and he should be partnered by Thierry Nevers in the forward line. Nahum Melvin-Lambert is an U18 but a serviceable back-up for the U23 squad.

Conclusion
I commend the hierarchy at Reading for going all out for their youth redevelopment project. The have let many of the older U23s walk and the younger players now have room to develop. However results will be down from an already disappointing year last season but in the long run this is a good direction taken by the club.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
Pedro Neves – Cartagena – Free
Akin Odemayo – Swindon – Free
Ben House – Eastleigh – Free
Tyler Frost – Crawley – Free
Marcel Elva-Fountaine – Burnley – Free
Adam Liddle – Chelmsford - Free
Emmanuel Obamakinwa – Free Agent
Ethan Coleman – Free Agent
Werick Caetano – Free Agent
Gabriel Osho – Free Agent
Liam Driscoll – Free Agent
Lexus Beeden – Free Agent
Ramarni Medford-Smith – Free Agent
Roberto Nditi – Free Agent
Andre Burley – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 11th (Division One)
Predicted Line Up:

Andresson
Watson Holmes Dorsett Samuels
Azeez Pendlebury Lawless Bristow
Nevers McGiff

Liverpool

Goalkeepers
Caoimhin Kelleher is currently the clubs senior U23 goalkeeper but the Irish international operates as the 3rd choice first team option and only rarely drops down to the U23 squad for match time. Kamil Grabara had a mixed spell with Huddersfield last season, ending prematurely with a scary looking head injury, and the Polish U21 international now looks set for a move to Greek side PAOK.

Vitezslav Jaros, a Czech U18 goalkeeper, missed the majority of last season through an injury he picked up for the first team in pre-season. Without that injury there is a genuine possibility he would have leapfrogged Kelleher but the talented Czech is fully fit again and should get the nod as first choice U23 goalkeeper. Ben Winterbottom, who signed from Blackburn in 2019, started in the U18 squad and quickly moved into the U23 team. This season he should serve as Jaros’ backup.

Defenders
Adam Lewis and Morgan Boyes have left on loan while Yasser Larouci will soon go on a permanent basis with Brentford currently looking most likely. Anderson Arroyo, still struggling to get visa clearance to play in the UK, will soon head out on another loan with the 20-year-old struggling at every club he has been to so far. The Colombian full back appears to have some cognitive dissonance however when he came out with a strange statement claiming he was close to starting for Liverpool’s first team. Abel Rodrigues and Jack Walls were also deemed surplus to requirements after completing last season the U18 squad. Nathaniel Phillips, 23, spent last season on loan at Stuttgart and, with Liverpool willing to sell, he is wanted by a host of Championship and Bundesliga sides after a solid season in Germany.

Rhys Williams has returned from a loan spell at Kidderminster where he played well. The centre back has signed a new contract with Liverpool and the club will assess loan offers they receive before deciding on his future. Tom Clayton was used sparingly in his first season at U23 level but showed leadership qualities when he did by often assuming the captaincy. He will once again rotate in to the starting XI. Dutch U18 international Sepp van den Berg has been steadily improving after a tough start to life at Anfield and the composed defender could get more first team chances this time around. Billy Koumetio has played for the first team in pre-season and the strapping French defender will likely become a key player as the season develops. Scouser Remi Savage will provide backup and rotation in his first full year at this level.

At left back Tony Gallacher enters the season as the favourite for the role given the loan of Adam Lewis and likely transfer of Yasser Larouci. Gallacher does have the opportunity to leave the club though and multiple MLS sides are said to be looking at the Scottish full back. Owen Beck has signed his first professional contract ahead of his first year at U23 level. Beck was surprisingly effective at U18 level and will hope to carry that form over. Finally, U18 captain James Norris has every chance of winning the left back position outright. The highly talented full back is incredibly fast and has outstanding technical ability.

Right back, as seems to be the way for most clubs, is filled with talent. Neco Williams is the clear deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold and will spend most of his time in the first team squad, not slumming it with the U23s. However, Dutch U17 international Ki-Jana Hoever is ready to fill the right back role. A highly talented defender Hoever is still trying to define himself in a specific role with right back, centre back and defensive midfield all mooted as possibilities for him. Currently he is a very high-quality right wing back for the U23 squad. U18s full back Conor Bradley can also step up when required.

Midfielders
Curtis Jones went to the next level last season, completely dominating Premier League Two before stepping up to the first team and impressing there, including a stunning long-range goal to beat Everton in the FA Cup. Making something of a mockery of the current England selection criteria, Jones has only appeared at U19 level for the national side but make no mistake he’s a first team player and will stay there for now. The Premier League Two Player of the Year is highly unlikely to appear often at this level again.

Herbie Kane had a promising start at Hull City end early due to a hamstring injury and the midfielder is still struggling with it. Kane is expected to secure a new loan or even a permanent exit before the window closes. Liverpool have shown faith in defensive midfielder Liam Coyle by offering him a contract extension. The midfielder has struggled with persistent injury issues since he broke into the U18 team at 15 years old and is not likely to be a regular starter. Ben Woodburn is being linked with a move to Ipswich or Portsmouth having regained his Wales national team position and hopefully he can have an injury free loan experience.

Leighton Clarkson will the season in the defensive midfield role. Having tasted first team action, including daily first team training, Clarkson has a chance to establish himself as an option for the cup matches in this crowded season. He will be joined in midfield by Jake Cain, an attack minded midfielder with an eye for a pretty pass and Elijah Dixon-Bonner, the all-action former Arsenal midfielder. The versatile Abdi Sharif and Matteo Ritaccio, both just recovered from long injuries, will offer solid back up for the midfield trio along with Bosnian Dal Varesanovic. Finally, Tom Hill has started the year captaining the U18s but due to his versatility will see plenty of U23 action.

Forwards
After a strong loan spell with Swansea City, Rhian Brewster is wanted on loan or permanently by both Premier League and Championship clubs. Liverpool probably favour another loan although there are rumours that a £20m offer would be enough to tease him away. Nigerian U23 international Taiwo Awoniyi is available for a permanent transfer as he still doesn’t qualify for a work permit in the UK. Stuttgart and Celtic are currently credited with an interest in the burly striker although how Celtic would get around the work permit issues is unclear. Winger Liam Millar, a Canadian international, has offers from a variety of Championship and Bundesliga clubs and will almost certainly be sent on loan.

Harvey Elliott will undoubtedly move between the U23 and first team squads, so while he may not be a regular, he will be expected to shine when he does play at this level. Jack Bearne has started well in pre-season. The former Notts County forward can play right across the line and, after recovering from a long-term injury last season, could be a key player for Barry Lewtas’ side.

The centre forward position has plenty of competition with Paul Glatzel the favourite to start the season in the striking role. Glatzel missed the entirety of the last campaign due to injury but the highly rated forward has started pre-season in good form despite the layoff. Luis Longstaff came to the club as a winger but last season, out of necessity, he switched to become a centre forward. He may stick with that switch or move back to the right-hand side when Elliott is not with the squad. Joe Hardy, signed in January from Brentford, had a good impact on the U23 squad and the striker can now expect to find a high-quality loan move in his near future. Fidel O’Rourke will act as a back up centre forward with the talented Layton Stewart biding his time currently in the U18 squad due to the congestion ahead of him.

Conclusion
Liverpool’s squad is more experienced than their U23 squad tend to be and boosted by the return of injured players in key positions. They’ll be a highly competitive unit this time out.

Transfers In
None

Transfers Out
Ovie Ejaria – Reading - £3.5m
Niall Brookwell – Newcastle – Free
Pedro Chirivella – Nantes – Free
Shamal George – Colchester – Free
Kai McKenzie-Lyle – Cambridge – Free
Isaac Christie-Davies – Barnsley – Free
Alex Turner – Runcorn Linnets – Free
Sheyi Ojo – Cardiff – Loan
Adam Lewis – Amiens – Loan
Morgan Boyes – Fleetwood – Loan
Abel Rodrigues – Free Agent
Jack Walls – Free Agent
Dan Atherton – Free Agent

Predicted League Finish: 3rd (Division One)
Predicted Line Up:

Jaros
Hoever van den Berg Koumetio Gallacher
Cain Clarkson Dixon-Bonner
Elliott Glatzel Bearne

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Latest Transfers - U23 & U18
U23
Jan Paul van Hecke, 20: NAC Breda to Brighton - £1.8m
Ulrich Eneme Ella, 19: Amiens to Brighton - Free
Joe Fryer, 24: Middlesbrough to Swindon - Free
Ismaila Coulibaly, 19: Sheff Utd to Beerschot - Loan
Rayhaan Tulloch, 19: West Brom to Doncaster - Loan
Caleb Richards, 22: Norwich to Kidderminster - Loan

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U18s game against Man Utd tomorrow has been postponed.

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Hi @Sweeting I just want to ask your opinion on Mipo Odubeko at West Ham he wasn’t in your preview but I saw a video of him playing for their u23 in the efl Cup this week and he looked absolutely sensational. One of his goals was incredible.

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