LFC young talent

Liverpool have been struggling in recent years, with a somewhat confusing transfer policy contributing to their rapid downfall. With the team performing so under par in the Premier League, it could be up to the talented youngsters to take control and rescue Liverpool from the depths of the relegation zone. There are many youngsters who have the potential to be key figures at the club in a few years; with the list below containing those that I think can contribute a lot to the first team in the future.

Jack Robinson

Robinson (right) fends off Romelu Lukaku on wednesday
night

The 19 year old made his debut at the tender age of 16 for the Reds first team; setting the record for the youngest player to ever pull a red shirt on in the process. Although this record has recently been eclipsed by Jerome Sinclair, Robinson has gone from strength to strength. Although only appearing in a handful of games for the first team, his displays when he has played, notably against Arsenal when he kept Walcott quiet, has expressed the talent he possesses. The tough tackling left back is soon ready to establish his place in the first team, and justifiably so.

Jerome Sinclair
Sinclair made his debut at the age of 16 years and 5 days against West Brom in the League Cup in mid week, snatching away Jack Robinson’s record in the process. I've heard a lot of good things about Sinclair, with his electrifying pace and tricky wing play a highlight in his game. It's incredible that Sinclair is still in school, and if his progress continues the way it is, he could soon find himself a regular in the Liverpool starting XI.

Suso

Young Spaniard, Suso, has the potential to be a world beater

The Spaniard is highly thought of at Liverpool, and rightly so. He was involved in Spain's U19 euro championship win, playing an integral role in role just behind the striker. The 18 year old has drawn comparisons with David Silva with his style of play, and we saw glimpses of that in his Premier League debut against Manchester United last Sunday. His playmaking ability and cultured left foot has been pivotal in forcing his way into the first team, and soon he could not only find himself in the Liverpool first team; but in the senior International fold too.

Michael Ngoo

Although he isn’t a name that is talked about regularly at Liverpool, I really like what I've seen from the tall striker. He's got ability in the air, he's quick, he has two good feet, and he knows where the goal is. For me, he reminds me of a slightly faster version of Peter Crouch. From what I have seen from the handful of Under 21 games I have watched, Ngoo's presence alone is enough to frighten the life out of the opposing centre backs and he has at times bullied them. Although I think he's warranted it, he's yet to make his first team debut; but if he keeps up the good work he will be rewarded with a first team appearance in no time.

Wisdom has impressed in Liverpool's recent games against
Young Boys and West Brom

Andre Wisdom

Andre Wisdom is another who has recently made his first team debut and is arguably one of Liverpool's brightest prospects. The centre back, who was signed from Bradford when he was 14, has nurtured into a very talented defender who is accomplished in both central defence and right back. He's quick, he's powerful, and he really impressed me in recent games against Young Boys and West Brom; whilst also getting on the score sheet against the Swiss side. He's represented England at numerous levels including the under 21's, and I'm sure he'll make his bow in the first team soon.

Adam Morgan

Adam has been labelled as the next Michael Owen, proving that he's highly thought of on the red side of Merseyside. His predatory instincts have ensured he has been a regular scorer in youth levels, and he has finally been rewarded with a couple of starts for the first team this year. He's quick, hardworking, and has the ability to be in the right place at the right time; all of which combined give him the potential to be a very good player in the future.

Other Bright Liverpool prospects include: John Flanagan, Ryan McLaughlin, Jordan Ibe, Conor Coady, Stephan Sama, Samed Yesil, Sebastian Coates

And of course.....

Jonjo Shelvey

Shelvey is showing glimpses of the talent he can bring
to Liverpool's midfield

The 20 year old from Essex was the last signing made by Rafael Benitez, for a fee of £1.9 million; and what a bargain that could prove to be. Shelvey made his debut for Charlton at 16 years of age and broke the record for the youngest first team player, and has successfully made the step up to the Premiership. After initially struggling in the first team, a loan spell to Blackpool saw him score an impressive 6 goals in 10 games; and this form pushed his way into the Liverpool first team. Despite forcing his way into the Liverpool first team, I believe he still hasn't produced his best ability, but if he does we will see him grow and hopefully fill the vacant gap left by the ageing Steven Gerrard.

Raheem Sterling

The 17 year old signed from QPR when he was 15, and has made a rapid progression into the first team. The problematic wing positions for the Reds saw Rodgers turn to the energetic 17 year old, and he has not let him down. He has been hands down Liverpool's best player this year, and his performances against both Manchester clubs prove that he's a world beater. He's already been called up to the England first team, bypassing the Under 21 set up on the way, and soon enough he will make the wing position his own for his country too.



Kelly has battled back well since sustaining a career
threatening injury in his youth days

Martin Kelly
Kelly has been a consistent performer when he has pulled on the red shirt, and has been one of their best players so far this season. However, the 22 year old Liverpudlian has had a torrid time with injuries, notably when he was ruled out for 2 years with back trouble in his younger days, and had recently been ruled out until at least the New Year with knee trouble. Despite these setbacks, Kelly has shown great fight to establish himself in the Liverpool first team, and this courage earnt him a seat on the plane to the European Championships this past summer. If Kelly is able to stay injury free, then he will have a lot to offer the Liverpool first team for a number of years to come.

There's no denying that the Liverpool youngsters have talent; with all of those named above besides Ngoo having represented their country at International level. With budding talent, especially the talent of Suso, Shelvey and Sterling in particular, the future looks bright for Liverpool. It may take time, but buoyed by the influence of the rising young talent in the ranks, the Reds may be able to replicate their glory days and re establish themselves as a top 4 side once again.