Liverpool have been working strengthening the productivity of the youth academy in recent years. One of the greatest things about the new AXA Training Center is that it brings the youth and senior squads together. We hope to see more Liverpool academy prospects breakthrough in the coming years. Here are three Liverpool academy stars to watch in 2021:
Layton Stewart
18-year-old Scouser Layton Stewart has been tearing it up in the academy this season.
The teenager’s prodigious finishing ability, instinctive positioning and lightning turn of pace have led to comparisons with Fernando Torres.
At the time of writing the Scouser has 10 goals in seven league matches for the U18s this season.
He has seen his good form rewarded with a call up to the U23s side in the absence of Paul Glatzel and Joe Hardy.
2021 promises to be a big year for the teenager, hopefully we’ll see him in the cups.
James Balagizi
17-year-old midfielder James Balagizi joined the Reds from the Manchester City set up at U11 level.
He made his U18s debut aged just 15-years-old, scoring twice as he did.
Balagizi has been a leading creative light of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s U18s side this season.
He looks to be a class above his opposition and should be moved up a level soon, nobody can get the ball off him in U18s football.
Melkamu Frauendorf
Signed from Hoffenheim over the summer, 16-year-old Melkamu Frauendorf plays as an attacking midfielder for the U18s.
Highly regarded back in Germany, he has captained his nation’s U16 side.
The German Ethiopian has been finding his feet in England these past few months and he’s starting to put together some form.
2021 could be a big year for the teenager as he looks to assert himself in the academy and really show what he can do.
We could well see him make an appearance in pre-season at least.
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