Top 10 Liverpool youth prospects

Alex O’Hanlon, left back/left winger/attacking midfielder, 17-years old

While it’s a different situation with the first team, Liverpool can beat Real Madrid to a highly rated player’s signature at youth level. It’s precisely what happened with young Republic of Ireland international, Alex O’Hanlon, player who had already drawn comparison to Gareth Bale (who, in all honesty, two years ago, when O’Hanlon moved to Liverpool, wasn’t rated as highly as he is today). This lad is well-built, has good balance and pace to burn down the left flank. He was known to be a threat for goal with his constant running into the box but Liverpool coaches somewhat curbed that instinct in order to add a few more string to his bow. After promotion to U18s that was followed by an initial period of struggle, he learnt to play a new role – he became the most advanced of team’s midfield trio, exhibiting a more patient side of himself that is more creative and passes the ball better, threading great passes to his teammates time after time, racking up many assists in the process. I have to admit that I am unsure of whether he will remain in this role or be used in left back/left winger positions he originally played but whichever position he nails down as his own, Liverpool will have a gem on their hands that they will hope can be polished into a top class player.

Marc Pelosi, central midfielder, 19-years old

Listening to interviews with certain managers of modern football age and paying close attention to the way they set their teams up and select players, it’s not difficult to see that versatility and tactical acumen are regarded as quite important attributes in players today. Presence of these traits usually indicates greater football intelligence in players and these players have more chance of making the grade at their clubs. One such player is Marc Pelosi, a youth international of United States of America. Signed two years ago, he gained the reputation of a utility man who did well in just about any position he was tried in. Although a box-to-box midfielder by preference, he has also shown capability to play at left back, left wing and behind the striker. Pelosi’s clever movement, application in pressing and defending and intelligent use of the ball saw him become a reliable platform for his teammates at U18 and then at U21 level and draw praise from Academy director, Frank McParland. Additionally, Pelosi can break forward and chip in with goals, which is a great trait to have in a team that relies on sharing responsibilities, rather than building around one or two players who are expected to score goals on a regular basis. He is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained earlier this year and will undoubtedly come back with the same hunger to succeed and make the most out of his natural footballing instincts.