The Liverpool academy is stacked with talent at the minute. The Reds have been steadily recruiting some of the best and brightest for the youth ranks in recent years as they look to assemble the team of tomorrow. The results have been exciting with plenty of hot prospects impressing this term. Here are three Liverpool academy stars we want to see in the League Cup next season:
James Balagizi
Turning 18-years-old in September this year, Balagizi is one of the leading lights of the Liverpool U18s.
The attacking midfielder joined the Reds’ youth ranks at U11 level, leaving rivals Manchester City.
Since then he’s risen through the ranks whilst showcasing his eye for a pass and his majestic dribbling ability.
This season he’s registered eight assists in the U18s Premier League, he’d have had more had it not been for injury.
Although he is yet to crack the U23s we expect him to step up next season, priming him for a cameo in the League Cup.
Mateusz Musialowski
Just 17-years-old and already being dubbed the ‘Polish Messi’ around the training centre, Mateusz Musialowski is one of the brightest prospects in the country.
The Reds signed the winger from SMS Lodz last summer and his impact has been startling.
The teenager has been scoring goal after goal for the U18s, often ghosting past a series of defenders before firing past a helpless goalkeeper.
He’s already collected a goal of the month award for his stunning solo strike against Newcastle United, putting him on many Kopites’ radars.
Next season we expect a step up in trip for the young lad and hopefully his announcement to the senior game with a showing in the League Cup, he’s already impressed in first team training after all.
Layton Stewart
18-year-old Scouser Layton Stewart is the next best thing.
The local lad has scored bags of goals at every level on his way up to the U23s side.
Stewart netted 15 goals in 10 games for the U18s this season before stepping up a level in the New Year.
Unfortunately for the youngster he is currently recovering from a serious knee injury which should keep him sidelined until next season.
However, should he come back fit and fighting we expect him to be given a shot in the cup.
He’s drawn comparisons to Fernando Torres for his lethal finishing and electric turn of pace, we need to see what all of the hype is about.