Liverpool Academy Products In The First Team

Liverpool’s academy is one of the most revered in the world. A plethora of Liverpool academy products have made it into the first team in the past – Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler to name but a few of them.

Today, Liverpool’s academy is as strong as it has ever been. The Reds aren’t having a great season – but with youth system as strong as theirs, there is always reason to be excited for the future.

Who will be the next Michael Owen or Stevie G to storm his way into the first team squad?

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones burst onto the scene back in early 2020, when he scored a wonderful goal in an FA Cup win against the Reds’ bitterest rivals – Everton.

He hasn’t quite hit the heights that many expected him to, but it’s easy to forget that he’s only 21.

Jones’ main issue is that he does not seem to have a natural position. While he has generally been deployed centrally, he’s also been played out on the wing – with no apparent preference.

Caoimhin Kelleher

Irish shot stopper Caoimhin Kelleher is so far proving to be an excellent understudy to Alisson. While he’s in no danger of usurping the Brazilian’s spot, he’s still perfectly capable of playing in the Premier League.

While he generally plays in cup games, he has made good use of his time developing into a top goalkeeping prospect.

He’s a massive upgrade over Liverpool’s previous backup ‘keeper, Adrian – Reds fans need not worry should Alisson ever be unavailable.

Nat Phillips

Nat Phillips didn’t spend all of his academy time at Liverpool – he was at Bolton until 2016. However, it was Liverpool who first gave him a chance to shine in their senior team.

A no-nonsense defender, Phillips is something of a throwback. Unfortunately, Jurgen Klopp likes his defenders to be technically adept – something Phillips is not.

Whether Phillips has to go elsewhere to realise his full potential remains to be seen but it would not be hugely surprising if he did move on.

Stefan Bajcetic

The youngest player on the list, 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic has only just made his breakthrough into Liverpool’s senior team. While he’s by no means the first name on the team sheet, he is still an extremely exciting prospect.

The Spaniard scored his first Liverpool goal in the Premier League in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa demonstrating what he is capable of.

He’s a determined midfielder with bags of ability – Reds fans can expect big things from him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Here’s the one you all expected to see – Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best home grown stars the Premier League has seen in years and he made the move into the first team seamlessly.

World class passing ability coupled with pinpoint vision makes Alexander-Arnold one of the most dangerous creative footballers in the world.

While he’s often been found to be lacking in the defensive department, his ability to pick out a teammate and his talents from set pieces more than make up for it. Some say he would be better off in midfield – what do you think?