Liverpool coach suggests there’s a top youngster coming through under the radar

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Liverpool have already seen some great rewards from their academy this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s squad is arguably as good as it has been during his nine years at the helm this year. But that hasn’t stopped the likes of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley from bursting onto the scene.

Beyond those two standouts though, there are plenty of other players besides. James McConnell is one, and the 19-year-old was described as being a ‘very special’ player by academy striker Lewis Koumas this week.

Another is Kaide Gordon. Before his recent injury struggles, Gordon was perhaps the most exciting talent of the lot. And speaking to liverpoolfc.com today, U21s coach Barry Lewtas says that although focus is currently on Koumas and striker partner Jayden Danns, Gordon shouldn’t be overlooked.

“Everyone is talking about Koumas and [Jayden] Danns but Kaide is like an old-timer now despite the fact he is only 19 himself,” says Lewtas.

“He’s still got much more to come but more games like that and more rhythm, he will soon be back to where he wants to be.”

Lewtas sends Gordon reminder

Two years ago, you wouldn’t have needed to point out Gordon’s talent to anyone at Liverpool. The then 17-year-old was already lighting up the first-team.

But the past couple of seasons have been really tough for the former Derby County youth teamer.

Injury has prevented Gordon from kicking on in any way at all. On the cusp of a run in the senior side when he got injured, Kaide has had to rebuild from zero.

Jurgen Klopp obviously hasn’t forgotten about the winger, and gave him a start in the Europa League this season, as well as throwing him on for one very late Premier League appearance.

But the fact of it is that those are slim pickings for a player who was backed for stardom by Diogo Jota.

As Lewtas points out though, Gordon is still very young indeed. There’s no reason for him to panic. If he can stay fit and keep working hard, his chance should hopefully come again.

Klopp leaving has the potential to disrupt that a little, as we don’t yet know how the new manager will view the academy. Some coaches simply don’t utilise the youth at their disposal. Klopp always did and Gordon was one of those to benefit from that.

On the other hand though, a fresh start allows the 19-year-old to assert himself from day one under the new coach.

For now, Gordon is back training with the first-team at least. Do well there, and more minutes should come his way at some stage. In the meantime, don’t write him off.