There are a lot of promising young players at Anfield now, we look at seven of Liverpool’s best unknown prospects.
Steven Gerrard is the academy coach at Liverpool
The third instalment of this series following England’s success at the U20 World Cup, we have already looked at the best unearthed hot prospects at Manchester United and Chelsea, but today we turn our attention to Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp had an impressive record when it came to youth development at Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool fans will be hoping he can replicate that at Anfield.
Over the years, the Merseysiders have churned out some top talent. In the 1990’s, the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler all came through the Reds youth setup, but the 2000’s were rather less impressive, with Martin Kelly and Dani Pacheco some of the biggest names to break through.
To clarify, by unearthed, we mean any young player at Liverpool who is yet to make a first team league appearance. So the likes of Divock Origi and Ben Woodburn are out, making way for some lesser known youngsters. Here are seven of the best unearthed hot prospects at Liverpool:
Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi celebrating with Nigeria at the U17 World Cup
Nigerian under-23 international Taiwo Awoniyi is a really exciting young player who could be playing for the countries first team soon. The 19-year-old moved to Merseyside in 2015, and has twice been loaned out, first to Frankfurt and then to NEC last season. A quick, strong centre-forward who is composed in front of goal and has a good header on him, Awoniyi is unlikely to break into the first team next season, but will be hoping for a more successful loan.
Allan
Brazilian central midfielder Allan is probably one of the best known players on this list – a little older than the rest at 20, the Reds bought him for £500,000 a couple of years ago and he has been loaned out three times, spending last season with Hertha in the Bundesliga. A clever midfielder with an eye for a pass, Allan is also tough in the tackle, and has all the attributes to suggest he could make it in the Premier League.
Ryan Kent
Ryan Kent celebrates scoring on-loan at Barnsley
Having been loaned out to Coventry City and Barnsley in the last two seasons, Ryan Kent has proved himself to be a capable Championship player. Aged 20, the tricky winger will probably be looking at another loan move, either to a top end Championship club or abroad next season. The former England under-20 international has played for Liverpool, but that appearance came in the FA Cup, thus meaning he still qualifies for this list.
Bobby Adekanye
The second Nigerian-born teenager on this list, Bobby Adekanye currently represents the Netherlands at international youth level. A left winger with a lot of skill and a good burst of pace, Adekanye joined the Reds from Barcelona in 2015, having previously been involved in the youth setup at Ajax. Aged 18, Adekanye may get his first loan move next season, and we can see how he fares in the mens game.
Yan Dhanda
The first player of Indian heritage to sign for Liverpool, Yan Dhanda was born in Birmingham, and represents England at youth level. The Reds paid £200,000 to bring the 18-year-old to Anfield from West Bromwich Albion when he was just 14. Equally capable on the left wing or just off the striker in an attacking midfield or withdrawn forward role, Dhanda is a well-rounded player with good technique.
Harry Wilson
Liverpool’s Harry Wilson comes on as a substitute to replace Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool shouldn’t run out of left wingers anytime soon, as Harry Wilson is another gifted wide man waiting in the wings should an opportunity come his way. Also adept at playing on the right wing or in attacking midfield, Wilson is a great technician with good close control and a trick up his sleeve. In 2013, aged 16, Wilson beat a record set by Gareth Bale to become the youngest player to be capped by Wales, but four years on he is still waiting for his second cap.
Liam Coyle
A real local lad, Liam Coyle lives just 10 minutes from Anfield, and has been with the club since the age of 10. Aged 17, the tough-tackling holding midfielder has captained Liverpool’s under-18’s in recent times. Now under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, Coyle has the perfect role model to look up to both as a midfielder and as a captain.
Who is the best youngster at Liverpool?
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