Liverpool have some strong prospects coming through the academy at the moment. We have seen the likes of Billy Koumetio and Harvey Elliott impressing fans and coaches alike. We have also seen Curtis Jones afforded opportunities. Exciting teenager Jake Cain must be close to making a first team appearance for Liverpool.
Jake Cain must be close to making a first team appearance for Liverpool. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Academy prodigies
There is plenty to be excited about in the Liverpool academy.
James Balagizi has been in terrific form for the U18s this season. Layton Stewart has also been banging them in for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side.
The arrival of Germany U16s captain Melkamu Frauendorf was an intriguing move and the midfielder has been putting in strong performances.
In the U23s we are still seeing strong showings from a host of players, the side are just three points off PL2 leaders Chelsea with a game in hand over the West London side.
Jake Cain edging closer
We have already seen Jake Cain given his first team debut for Liverpool but the youngster may be edging closer to another and more regular appearances.
The Wigan born 19-year-old has been in fine form for the U23s this season, he netted his third free kick of the season in the 3-1 win over Chelsea in the U23s last outing.
Most importantly though, the youngster has been named on the bench for the Reds’ last two Champions League ties.
Both of these fixtures have been too close to risk chucking an academy star into the midfield.
However, when the Reds are faced with a more comfortable situation he may well get his run out.
At some point the youngster has to be rewarded for his fine form in the U23s side, he showed in the FA Cup against Shrewsbury that he can hold his own in the men’s game.
It is a tough ask for the youngster to edge ahead of some of the current midfield, particularly fellow graduate Curtis Jones.
With fixtures piling up in the winter, though, we may well see Jake Cain given an opportunity in the first team – his presence on the bench is surely a statement of intent from Jürgen Klopp.