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Liverpool has one of the best youth academies in the world. However, there can be no argument that in recent years it has failed to produce any world-class home grown talent.
Since Steven Gerrard broke on to the scene in 1998, no academy graduate has seen a sustained run in the first team at Anfield.
However, things could be about to change.
Currently plying their trade in either the Liverpool youth setup, in the reserve team or gaining valuable experience out on loan, there seems to be more than enough talent for the Reds fans to get excited about.
<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/10/09/liverpool-under-pressure-to-retain-rising-superstar-raheem-sterling/">Raheem Sterling is a perfect example</a>. Since making his way in to an underperforming Kenny Dalglish team, the 19-year-old has become one of the first names on the Liverpool team sheet. Brendan Rodgers has even claimed that Sterling is “the best young player in European football at the moment.”
The performances of such an exciting, attacking talent demonstrates that the club has experienced a dramatic change in fortunes.
The following five players represent the cream of the crop at Anfield, with each having their own case to make an impact in the first team over the next few years.
Divock Origi
Arguably the most intriguing signing made by Rodgers this summer, Divock Origi represents something of an unknown talent.
Having hit the headlines during the World Cup for his impressive performances, Liverpool fought off some of the biggest clubs around Europe to sign the 19-year-old. Costing the Reds around £10m, the terms of the transfer insisted that Origi would return to Lille on a season long loan. And the Belgium is taking full advantage of his opportunity, scoring four times in 11 appearances in all competitions so far.
Rodgers has kept in regular contact with his new recruit, sending him text messages and asking Anfield scouts to attend every game he plays.
Jordan Ibe
For all the talk and hype surrounding Sterling at the moment, Liverpool have another hot prospect in the name of Jordan Ibe.
Having already made his first team debut against QPR at the end of the 2012/2013 season, many expected the youngster to go on and earn more opportunities in the first team.
Ibe then spent time on loan at Birmingham City the following season and also featured in a post-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers at the Aviva stadium. The youngster produced a Man of the Match performance and showed just what he’s all about.
Now on loan at Derby County, the 18-year-old will have a full season in the Championship to gain some valuable first team experience.
Suso
Suso is a bit of an enigma. There’s no doubting his ability but when it comes to cementing a place in Rodgers’ starting XI, there are serious question marks.
Again, the young Spaniard has had to go out on loan to continue his development. He went back to his native country and joined Almeria. In 33 appearances for the La Liga side, the 20-year-old scored three goals and created seven assists.
However, contract issues are throwing huge doubts over the attacking midfielder’s future at Anfield. With the two parties unable to agree a suitable wage structure, it’s rumored AC Milan are ready to take advantage of the situation in January.
Suso has been quoted in a recent interview stating: “I will only renew with Liverpool if I’m guaranteed I’ll play regularly. The option is clear if I don’t renew: let me leave.”
Tiago Ilori
Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori increased the defensive options available to Rodgers after signing for the Reds from Sporting Lisbon&nbsp;during the summer of 2013.
Liverpool’s reserves faced a sensational Sporting side in the newly-formed NextGen Series in 2011, which included Ilori at the heart of their defense.
Tiago’s technique and composure with the ball at his feet, added to his tactical reading of the game, ensured he caught the eye of on looking Anfield scouts.
Since joining the club,&nbsp;Ilori joined Spanish outfit Granada on loan in January 2014 until the end of the season. There, he played nine times, impressing in central defense, and experiencing victory over Barcelona.
He headed out on a temporary basis again in last August, this time to Ligue 1 outfit Bordeaux for a season-long stay with the French club.
Andre Wisdom
Andre Wisdom is in a similar situation, having left Liverpool to join West Bromwich on a season-long loan deal this summer.
Wisdom spent the majority of last season with Championship side Derby and boss Brendan Rodgers has sanctioned another move away from Anfield for the England U/21 regular.
With competition for places stronger than ever at Anfield, the 21-year-old will probably benefit from playing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/10/08/best-matches-of-the-premier-league-season-so-far-gameweeks-1-7/">Premier League football</a> elsewhere until he is fully ready to challenge in a red shirt.
However, with a highly criticized and much maligned back four, that includes just two fit centre backs, Rodgers could have done with some youthful backup players.
Baggies boss Alan Irvine is the beneficiary and was thrilled to have signed Wisdom, who has made 22 appearances for Liverpool and scored one goal.
He said: “Brendan spoke very, very highly about him.” High praise for a player that has a big future ahead of him for both club and country.

5 Liverpool Youngsters Who Reds Fan Should Be Excited About

5 Liverpool Youngsters Who Reds Fan Should Be Excited About - World Soccer Talk

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Liverpool have experienced a stuttering start to the new season and have already been on the end of four losses in all competitions.
Having come within two points of their first league title in 24 years during the last campaign, many expected much of the same this time around.
Brendan Rodgers required the services of nine new players during the summer, adding much needed strength and depth to his small squad. More importantly he looked to address the defensive issue that arguably cost his side the illusive Premier League crown.
However, the inevitable loss of prolific goal scorer and talisman Luis Suarez is just one of the reasons why the Anfield outfit have struggled so far.
Rodgers now looks set to have a selection headache for all of the wrong reasons. It would seem as if the Reds are now blessed with a much deeper and stronger squad but with a real lack of form and a series of high profile injuries, Liverpool are in desperate need of a morale boosting win.
So with a full fit squad, what is Liverpool’s best starting XI? It’s not an easy task given the options now at his disposal but the diamond (4-1-2-1-2) looks to be the favoured formation.
Goalkeeper – Simon Mignolet&nbsp;
With Pepe Reina being shipped out to Bayern Munich earlier in the summer, Simon Mignolet looked to be the clear No. 1 at Anfield. However, the Belgium international has come in for huge criticism in recent weeks for his poor early season form. Rumors in the press have also suggested that Rodgers is looking at the possibility of signing free agent Victor Valdes, who would provide the perfect competition for places.
Right Back – John Flanagan&nbsp;
With Glen Johnson unlikely to be offered a new contract and therefore seemingly on his way out of Anfield, John Flanagan and Javier Manquillo will battle it out for the right back spot. Having broken in to the first team last season, the Liverpool born defender will be hoping to regain his spot once he returns from injury.
Centre Back – Mamadou Sakho
Sakho or Skrtel? Both centre backs have been given ample opportunities to stake their claim to be a regular in the Liverpool, defence but neither have taken their chances. Skrtel was again at fault for the goal in a 1-0 loss at Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday night. However Sakho stormed out of the Merseyside derby after finding out he wasn’t in the starting XI. Rodgers has to stick with one paring to find the consistency the defence desperately needs.
Centre Back – Dejan Lovren&nbsp;
Having impressed in an over achieving <a href="worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/19/southamptons-august-september-progress-report/">Southampton</a> side last season, Rodgers splashed out £20m on the versatile defender in the hope that he could stop the rot in the Reds defence. The Croatian international is strong in the air and will bring leadership and more importantly a strong voice to a shaky back line.&nbsp;
Left Back – Alberto Moreno
The left back spot has been Liverpool’s achilles heel ever since John Arne Riise left the club. Glen Johnson proved his worth in what could only be described as his unfavored position and Jose Enrique is only just returning from a serious injury. What Alberto Moreno will provide is a long-term solution and an added bit of quality in both attack and defence.
Centre Defensive Midfield – Steven Gerrard
Despite criticism from some quarters, the 34-year-old is still by far the best player in the Liverpool squad and is the leader of the team. His experience is invaluable and has maintained that exceptional long-range passing which sets him apart from many others in the league. The skipper has to be the first name on the team sheet.&nbsp;
Left Centre Midfield – Adam Lallana&nbsp;
Rodgers’ most expensive signing of the summer looks as if he is settling in to life at Liverpool after a tough start to his career on Merseyside. Having been ruled out for six weeks during a pre season tour of America, <a href="worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/25/adam-lallana-ready-to-make-his-mark-for-liverpool/">Lallana is now getting back to the levels he reached last season at Southampton</a>. Having earned his first England call up and a trip to Brazil for the World Cup this summer, the St Albans born midfielder will be looking to excel in both the Premier League and Champions League for the Reds.&nbsp;
Right Centre Midfield – Jordan Henderson&nbsp;
The new vice captain has had a massive turn in fortunes over the last few seasons and is now an integral part of the setup at Anfield. Having responded to his manager’s pre-season comments, Henderson looks to be playing in a more advanced role, aiming to add goals and assists to his game. And with his ‘unlimited engine’ the 24-year-old also adds a box-to-box dimension to the team.&nbsp;
Attacking Midfielder – Raheem Sterling
Having adapted his game to become a hybrid attacking midfielder and striker, Raheem Sterling can play in a variety of positions in this team. His positional intelligence and movement have come a long way since Brendan Rodgers took charge at Liverpool and the Northern Irishman started playing him in a much more tactically demanding central role. With the ability to also cover in a wider role, Sterling also puts in an outstanding defensive shift, and in this line-up he has the freedom to drift between the midfield and forward lines.&nbsp;
Left Striker – Mario Balotelli&nbsp;
Mad Mario. What else is there to say? Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and now Liverpool are the latest club to take on the huge gamble. Not many people doubt his ability, but when it comes to attitude, work rate and appetite, there are still serious questions to be answered. After a poor start to his career at Anfield, cumulating in a lackluster performance in the Champions League midweek, Rodgers has been quoted as saying “Balotelli was the best we could get”. Interesting. However, it would be unfair to judge the Italian until he’s had chance to settle in and form a partnership with Daniel Sturridge.
Right Striker – Daniel Sturridge
Pace, power, dribbling and finishing. Daniel Sturridge has it all. He’s what makes this team tick and more importantly, he’s the one that will make Balotelli click as well. His movement and ability to get beyond the last man is what will create room for his attacking partners. If Luis Suarez is the past then Sturridge is very much the future. His goals to game ratio is up there with the greats of the game but it’s now time for the Englishman to prove himself as a true Kop legend.

Liverpool’s Best Starting XI For the 2014/15 Season

Liverpool's Best Starting XI For the 2014/15 Season - World Soccer Talk

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5 Liverpool Youngsters Who Reds Fan Should Be Excited About

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Liverpool’s Best Starting XI For the 2014/15 Season