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Liverpool once boasted one of the best academies in England, producing players like Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard in the past. However, over the last decade, the club has not really had any breakout youth stars. A majority of their academy graduates have not really had an impact on the team.
Now, under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have had a slew of youth prospects see first-team action, with some looking to have a bright future ahead of them. Liverpool fans have not been able to proudly call any of their players 'one of their own' since Steven Gerrard left the club back in 2015.
This list will rank the five best academy graduates who are currently playing for Liverpool. It will be based purely on the impact they have had at the club already and not on their potential. So, without further ado, here are Liverpool's current Top 5 academy graduates.
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#5 Rhys Williams (On loan at Swansea)
Rhys Williams was thrown into the deep end last season after an injury crisis at the back for Liverpool. This meant the young defender had to start at the heart of defense for a good chunk of the campaign.
Williams was largely up to the task and performed well, helping Liverpool to a third-place finish in the league. The defender's pace and physicality are some of his best attributes, while he is also good at reading the game.
Williams signed a long-term contract at the club this summer before being sent out on loan to Swansea City in order to get more playing time. Jurgen Klopp seems to be a huge fan of the defender and he is set to have a long career ahead of him at Liverpool.
#4 Neco Williams
One for the future, Neco Williams showed in his limited appearances for the club that he will be fighting for the right-back spot for years to come.
The Welshman made his debut in an EFL Cup game against Arsenal back in 2019. Williams has since gone on to establish himself as a full-fledged Welsh international, with 14 caps to his name. The youngster has featured for Liverpool in the Premier League as well as the Champions League, often putting in solid performances when called upon.
Williams' dynamism and energy, along with his pace, made him an exciting player to watch for the Reds. The right-back has been struggling with a foot injury this season, but is expected to return to the fold soon for Liverpool.
#3 Caoimhin Kelleher
Despite Liverpool having the more experienced Adrian on their bench, Caoimhin Kelleher has firmly nailed down the No. 2 position at the club. The Irish shot-stopper is the youngest Liverpool goalkeeper to ever keep a clean sheet on his Premier League debut at 22 years and 13 days. Kelleher looks set for a long career at the club.
He has already started games in the Champions League and Premier League for Liverpool. In his first consistent run in the starting XI, Kelleher impressively managed three consecutive clean sheets as well.
The keeper's antics also earned him his first international call-up to the Republic of Ireland earlier this year. Jurgen Klopp has been delighted with Kelleher's progression at the club and the shot-stopper was rewarded with a long-term contract earlier this summer.
#2 Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones has surprised everyone with the strides he's taken over a short period of time. The Englishman is set to become a lynchpin in Liverpool's midfield for years to come and recently scored a stunning goal against Brentford.
Due to injuries to several midfield players last season, the inexperienced Jones saw way more game-time than expected. However, the Englishman fit into the team seamlessly and put in impressive performances for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Jones always looks comfortable in possession due to his ability on the ball and mobility in midfield. The Englishman also has an eye for goal, becoming the Reds' first teenager to score in consecutive games since Raheem Sterling in 2014.
Jones is set to play a more pronounced role in Jurgen Klopp's side and will hope to take his game to the next level this season.
#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold
A truly generational talent, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become one of the best right-backs in the world over a short period of time at Liverpool. It is no surprise that the Reds' rise to dominance coincided with the Englishman establishing himself as a regular starter at the club.
Alexander-Arnold's ability to pick out a pass and his proficiency with set-pieces is one of Liverpool's biggest weapons. The full-back has already been named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, and in the UEFA Team of the Year once. Alexander-Arnold also won the Premier League Young Player of the Season and PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2019-20 season.
The Englishman is an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's offensive gameplan. At just 22 years of age, it is scary to think that his best years are still ahead of him.
