Since Brendan Rodgers took over at Anfield, Liverpool have seen a drastic change in productivity from their most promising young first-team players. In the Dalgish years, Andy Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, and Charlie Adam were bought for a mind blowing 85 million pounds. Only Henderson has developed as advertised, and only since Rodgers’ arrival.
It’s not a coincidence that Rodgers’ arrival at Liverpool was what put the red revolution in motion, refocused the club on developing from within, and put faith in home-grown exciting raw players. In doing so, Liverpool not only challenged for a Premier League title last season, but are poised up for a promising future even with the departure of Luis Suarez. Here are a few reasons why.
Raheem Sterling, 19
Purchased by Rafa Benitez in 2010 at age 15, Sterling has developed into one of the finest young midfielders in England. By age 17, he was in the first team and earning rave reviews from the Liverpool training ground. Brendan Rodgers’ went as far declaring him the best teenage footballer in Europe, which he very well could be right now. Sterling’s injection of pace into the Liverpool lineup has fueled progress at the club, while his versatility and knack for scoring important goals had a great deal to do with the title bid last season. Sterling proved at the World Cup finals that he belongs on the same field as the world’s elite, and the sky is the limit for this electrifying youngster in red.
Jordan Ibe, 18
Similar, to Sterling, Jordan Ibe made his debut at a very young age (15). Liverpool purchased Ibe in 2011, and has quickly progressed to the first team through the U-18 ranks. Like Sterling, Ibe possesses exceptional pace and vision. So far in preseason, Ibe has assisted three goals in just two appearances, and is living up to the expectations laid on him by the training staff. Ibe has the potential to even eclipse his compatriot Sterling, and could be one of the most surprising youngsters in the premiership this season.
Jon Flanagan, 21
It goes without saying that an endorsement from legendary Brazilian fullback Cafu means you’re probably destined for a bright future. Recently, the former Milan fullback and Selecao captain heaped praise on the all-around game of Jon Flanagan, describing him as an old-fashioned marauding wingback who possesses the determination to shut down an entire flank, and even naming him as his successor. Flanagan, born and raised to bleed Anfield red, emerged as a jack-of-all-trades attacking defender for Liverpool last season, turning in countless outstanding performances. At his age, there is more to come from the heir apparent to Cafu.
Phillippe Coutinho, 22
Coutinho is probably the most established player of the young contingent at Anfield, having been a first team player at both Inter and Liverpool since 2010. Coutinho’s vision, technical prowess, and creativity rightfully earn him the #10 shirt and the keys to Liverpool’s attacking midfield. He formed a strong partnership with Gerrard, Henderson and Sterling last season, showing promising signs for the future of Liverpool. Manchester United proved this season that a Fergie-less (and Moyes-led club for that matter) team cannot challenge for a title without a truly world-class #10. Chelsea have Oscar, Manchester City have David Silva, United now have Juan Mata, Arsenal have Mesut Ozil, and now Liverpool have their own in Countinho.
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