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Fowler, for once,

I agree with you.

Can't believe someones kicking off because of the title you have used for the thread. The only scumbag in this thread is the Kunt who's kicking off, when really he should be showing some appreciation because of the link you've provided

You can keeps your out. Thunds as its only for cosmetic purposes.

brings out youre eyes mate. really nice.

Haha, brilliant!

by tony barret

A 6-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday and two teenage graduates shining in a gritty draw away to Arsenal on Sunday; it’s hard to recall the last time that Liverpool’s Academy enjoyed a weekend quite as productive as this one.

If anyone was in any doubt that something special is stirring on the fields of Arbour Lane in Kirkby then the last 48 hours will surely have removed them. The sight of Jonathan Flanagan and Jack Robinson – two of the youngest players to appear in the Premier League this season – repelling Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri was a joy to behold for anyone who cherishes youth development and a particular pleasure for the Liverpool management team, staff and supporters who are so desperate to see youngsters like these two establish themselves in the first team.

But, if anything, their fantastic individual performances were the tip of a magnificent collective iceberg as emphasised by the manner, as much as the margin, of Liverpool under 18s emphatic victory over United 24 hours earlier. Firstly, it must be emphasised that the visitors to the Academy were depleted in number as a result of their ongoing involvement in the FA Youth Cup and though Liverpool were also lacking several key players they were not forced to dip into their junior ranks to quite the same extent as their opponents.

Because of this, it would be foolish in the extreme to get carried away with the scoreline. Instead, it was the nature and style of the performance delivered by Rodolfo Borrell’s team that should cause excitement. After a first half display that fell short of their usual high standards, Liverpool were transformed after the interval, pressing high up the pitch and refusing to give United any kind of outlet and passing them into submission when in possession. There was a patience and a maturity about the way they played which spoke volumes for the work that is being put in by Borrell and his coaching staff and also by Frank McParland, the Academy director, and the other members of the hierarchy.

The extent to which the Liverpool Way is being preached to the impressionable youngsters was underlined during one incident which brought laughter from the healthy sized crowd. One Liverpool player was heard to swear at the referee but no sooner had the expletive left his mouth and Borrell was reprimanding him. “We don’t talk like this,” the Spaniard shouted, making it clear that discipline is as important as talent. The lesson was duly taken on board.

Of course, the Academy is about developing footballers as well as endeavouring to ensure that they are well rounded young men and in this respect it appears to be flourishing. The best example of what the coaching staff are attempting to achieve came in the second half and even though it didn’t actually result in a goal being scored, the philosophy of playing style that prompted it will give great encouragement for the future. A passing move of more than 30 passes, involving almost every one of the outfield players and taking in the length and breadth of the pitch had the United players chasing shadows before a chance was finally created and wasted. It was the kind of move you see when senior teams are totally on top of their game and their opponents but it is hard to remember too many occasions when a group of teenagers have had the necessary combination of patience, technical and tactical quality and teamwork to pass with such patience and precision. It really was a joy to behold.

As usual, Raheem Sterling was in outstanding form and it was no surprise to discover that his progression is now taken him to such a stage that he was included in Kenny Dalglish’s travelling party for the trip to Arsenal. The intention was never for the 16-year-old to be involved at the Emirates, it was all about continuing his acclimatisation to the senior scene. Sat on the bench watching events unfold, Sterling could not have had a better view of Robinson and Flanagan as they performed with an assurance that belied their tender years. Talk about inspiration.

There was another Academy “graduate” on duty at the Emirates whose transition from the youth set up to first team could not go unnoticed. He may be a little bit older than Flanagan, Robinson and Sterling but it should not be forgotten that it was only three months ago that his days were spent at Kirkby rather than Melwood. That man, of course, is Dalglish himself. For the youngsters to have him around as they bid to make the transition from junior ranks to the first team is a massive help.

There are two images of Dalglish from the 1-1 draw with Arsenal that will stick in the mind for some time to come. The first saw him laughing and joking with Robinson just as the 17-year-old was about to enter the fray. You can imagine what was going through his mind; here he was about to play against one of the fastest wingers in football, in front of 60,000 fans and with millions more watching at home on television. And here was Dalglish – manager, club legend and erstwhile 5-a-side opponent at the Academy – making him giggle. That’s how a man (or should that be boy) manager releases pressure and from his very first involvement Robinson looked totally at ease with both his surroundings and his task. The second involved Flanagan who looked perturbed at his unfortunate role in the injury suffered by Jamie Carragher. Dalglish immediately recognised that this incident had the potential to knock the inexperienced right back off his stride and called him over for a pep talk, telling him not to worry and get on with his game. Pep talk duly delivered, Flanagan got on with the game and continued to play his part in a defensive performance that was rich in character and spirit. The players will rightly take the credit for that but Dalglish’s influence should not be understated.

It has been quite a weekend for the Academy, the type of which will bring it renewed attention albeit for the best reasons possible. But things could still get even better. Should the under 18s win their remaining two games then they will be crowned champions and there is an even bigger prize at stake for all the players involved. As Robinson, Flanagan and Sterling have shown, there is now a definite pathway into the first team and with Dalglish making it clear that it is ability and not age that will determine his selection policies then his Liverpool side could feature yet more youngsters in the weeks and months to come.

Tony barret and any other journalist always seems to over hype players. I mean okay they did their jobs but nothing else. IF it was Kelly then okay as we can clearly see something is in there but Flanagan and Robinson did their jobs as they have been told, nothing special even if they were that young.

just thought it was a nice read so wanted to share with you joyless lot

Its an okay read but im just saying

I think your being an over critical tw@t

See the thing is, for two academy lads to just come into the side, against two of the top four clubs and with the players they got, and slot in the side like they did is some achievement.

You say that there just doing there jobs, but you fail to notice that there two local lads. Been at the academy since a very young age, so you could maybe understand if they had a poor game. Thing is they didn't they wernt fazed by the occasion and tbh Flanagan showed at times the composure of an experienced player on the ball, and Robinson showed he is a better defender than Paul konchesky.

On another point, Tony barret is from Liverpool, so he like many other scousers are proud that two local lads are getting a chance, like Martin Kelly in the side. Something that I suppose living on the other side of the world youl never fully appreciate or understand

There are so many reasons to be pleased with the performances. I understand that sometimes the journalists give overkill to certain stories and big stories up so I get where that poster is coming from, but looking at it a bit more objectively. They 'did their jobs' well and look at the 18 MILLION POUND BASE TURD (sorry quoting growler) performances of johnson so called england right back (ok he has improved as soon as hodgson went) but still. And flanagan had been getting a bit of a slagging I cant remember who but there were at least 2 people on this site who were saying that he's not up to it about 5 weeks ago when he was on the fringes. On that level alone a good performance by flanagan , when you consider his age and the cost . The fact they are local is very important, the fact they want to do their job and don't seem to be twitter twàts is also a bonus. We had 6 or 7 bad eggs at the club half of them remain , we don't need them