Top 10 Liverpool youth prospects

Lloyd Jones, central defender, 17-years old

This Welsh boy-mountain was brought into Liverpool’s academy from Plymouth, beating off competition from Everton, a fact that player himself bragged about and thus instantly endeared himself to many Liverpool fans around. His rise was rapid – after outstanding performances, he quickly got a promotion from U16 team via U18s to U21 team in less than two years, even earning a spot on the bench in injury-hit Liverpool side that played away to Fulham near the end of the last season. Standing at 6’3’’, he strikes fear into opponents and models his game on Jamie Carragher but doesn’t shy away from the ball and likes to pass it around the pitch in manner more reminiscent of Daniel Agger. He is committed in tackles and aerial duels and uses his massive frame to a good effect, even when roaming forward, though he could certainly use more of his impressive presence at set-pieces at the opposite end of the pitch, something that he will undoubtedly improve on with age.

Ryan McLaughlin, right back, 18-years old

Another story of quick progression, Northern Irishman was signed as a 16-year old in the summer of 2011 and only a year later, he found himself marking Francesco Totti in a first team friendly game against Roma in pre-season tour of United States of America. Jovial youngster has quickly won the hearts of Liverpool faithful, as well as a call-up to Northern Ireland’s senior team, only for injury to prevent him from joining up with their squad. Blessed with great pace, youngster bases his game on modern fullbacks such as Dani Alves, which means that he is attack-minded and not afraid to take on his marker. He frequently overlaps in attack and delivers good crosses to his teammates but is very competent in defensive phase of the game, tenaciously tackling and going at opponent, which isn’t often seen in young offensive fullbacks. His all-round qualities make him a great fit for flowing football systems such as one Brendan Rodgers is implementing at Liverpool and that could see him become the next Liverpool youngster to get his chance to impress in the first team.