A few days ago, Liverpool completed the signing of Ben Doak from Celtic for a fee of around £600,000. The Scotsman recently scored a hat trick for Scotland’s U17s versus Georgia U17s.
It’s reported that Liverpool are looking to add at least two more players to join Doak in the academy next season.
Liverpool are battling Manchester City to the signature of Trent Kone-Doherty from Derry City, while also keeping an eye on PSG’s Ismael Gharbi as the Reds look to build for the future.
Liverpool have completed many signings of talented youngsters around the globe, who have moved to the academy. Here is a look at some players who have made the switch to Merseyside.
First Team Action
Harvey Elliott
Elliott joined Liverpool from Fulham, where he made a few appearances for the London-based club before joining the Reds.
He spent a season in the academy before he secured a loan move to Championship club, Blackburn Rovers.
Whilst working under Tony Mowbray, the Englishman made 42 appearances, scoring seven goals and getting 11 assists as he was a key player in their push to return to the Premier League, which eventually didn’t happen.
He came back at the beginning of the season, making a number of appearances before picking up an injury against Leeds United. Since his return, he has made his Champions League debut and scored his first goal for the club in an FA Cup tie against Cardiff City.
His dribbling in tight spaces is a key element to his game, as he tries to unlock opposition defenses. With the faith Jurgen Klopp has in the 18-year-old, it looks like he will have a bright future at the club.
Kaide Gordon
Gordon has made a few appearances for the first team this season, including a Carabao Cup Semi-Final tie against Arsenal and an FA Cup game against Shrewsbury Town, where he got his first professional goal for the club.
He joined the Reds from Derby County for a fee of around £1.1 million, which could rise to £3.4 million. It’s clear since his arrival that many at the club have faith in him to succeed.
He has a great left foot which he can score and make killer passes with. He also showcases good balance and awareness when inside the 18-yard-box.
Gordon and Elliott have both been supported by Trent Alexander-Arnold when they feature in the first team and have both praised Alexander-Arnold for his help.
Sepp Van Den Berg
Van Den Berg joined Liverpool from Dutch club PEC Zwolle after the Reds won the Champions League in 2019, for a fee of around £2 million. Since then, he’s made a handful of cup appearances for Klopp’s team.
Lately, he’s served two loan spells at Preston North End, and he’s become a fan favourite at Deepdale, adding confidence to his game.
The Dutchman is a versatile defender, who played right-back a lot during his first spell, but recently has moved back into the centre-back position.
The 20-year-old has improved his on-ball ability and makes a number of key interceptions. Ryan Lowe is looking to secure the services of the defender on a permanent deal, but Klopp might have other plans for Van Den Berg this summer.
Current Academy Prospects
Right now, there are plenty of talented individuals in Liverpool’s academy who are looking to make an impact in the first team over the next couple of seasons.
Marcelo Pitaluga
The goalkeeper joined Liverpool from Fluminense for a fee of around £700,000. He was scouted when John Achterberg and Alisson Becker both rated the youngster. Alisson’s brother also kept a close eye on him back in Brazil.
He’s very much like Alisson, with his ability to play with the ball out the back, and clear away any possible danger from long balls. His positioning and shot-stopping are also a brilliant part of his game.
The keeper might experience a loan move in the not-so-distant future, with Caoimhin Kelleher being in excellent form throughout this campaign, helping the Reds lift the Carabao Cup at the end of February.
Mateusz Musialowski
He has many admirers at the club and has been labelled ‘The Polish Messi’ by the people of his home country.
Liverpool signed him from the Polish club SMS Lodz. He joined the Reds over the London club, Arsenal where he had a trial.
Both teams were keen on Musialowski due to his ability to play across the front three, where he scored 133 goals in 88 matches.
He’s a creative player who can play a pitch-perfect pass and has good dribbling which he combines with electric pace.
Injuries have seen him out of any possible first-team football this season, however, next season might be the year that Liverpool fans get a first glimpse of the Polish star in the first team.
James Balagizi
The midfielder played for Manchester City but left the club at the youth level to join the Reds.
He was on the bench earlier this season when Liverpool faced Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, with Liverpool beating the Canaries 3-0.
Normally featuring as a number 10 or as a central midfielder, Balagizi is great a finding space in between the lines due to his impressive vision and passing.
The 18-year-old might see a loan move soon, or spend an extra season in the academy, with chances in the midfield being limited due to the number of players Liverpool have to fill those positions at the moment.
Stefan Bajcetic
Bajcetic only joined the Reds in 2021, signing from Celta Vigo, believing that chances will come for him on Merseyside.
Liverpool had competition for the signing of the 17-year-old which included their rivals, Manchester United.
He’s a defender who is comfortable on the ball and makes a lot of Joel Matipesque-like runs, which have resulted in goals and assists.
The defender is still working in the U18 squad, so he will more than likely spend at least another season in the academy to develop his game further.
Academy Importance
These players have a great amount of quality, plus there are many more that have recently arrived from other teams that also could have a part in Liverpool’s future like Bobby Clarke (Newcastle United), Calum Scanlon (Birmingham City), and Melkamu Frauendorf (Hoffenheim).
There are also plenty of prospects who have mainly come through Liverpool youth levels including Tyler Morton, Max Woltman, and Conor Bradley.
Klopp has many exciting young talents within the academy, who could have an impact in the future, whilst earning game time over the next couple of seasons that could make them key players in the squad during the German’s remaining years and beyond.
Thanks for reading. If you would like to see more, click HERE
Final Whistle 
One thought on “Talents In Liverpool’s Academy”