KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum BR and Youth

After Teixiera's little cameo last night, I've been thinking about all the yongsters who have progressed under our manager: Smith, Teixiera, Ibe, Suso, Coady, Sinclair, and Wisdom all have made their breakthrough appearances under Rodgers, and Sterling, Flanno, and Henderson have all improved massively under his guidance. What is he doing differently?

With perhaps the exceptions of Sterling and Kelly, as much as our academy was talked about, the impact on the first team was pretty woeful. Watching Pacheco flounder uselessly and never get in or cringing at the performances Flanno and Spearing gave while they were being used out of dire necessity under Kenny was disappointing.

Suso, Sterling, Flanno, and Wisdom have actually LOOKED like first team players recently, and Ibe and Teixiera look bright prospects. I'm really excited about these kids.

I think Teixera's contract is due to expire in June. This was more of a PR thing to get him to sign a new deal.

He has been in great form for the under 21's scoring 5 in 7 games.

And in fairness to the lad. He looked very comfortable on the ball had the courage to take a couple of shots.

I think him, Suso and Coutinho will be fighting for that #10 role moving forward.

Also part of this transistion from under 21's to the senior side has mean Alberto going down to the under 21's this way testing his mentality just like what happened to Flanno a year ago.

Make the player right for the right to be in the squad and not give it to them on a plate!

I don't think BR would put him on when we're down a goal that late in the game unless he had faith in him.

We signed him less then two years ago, I'm sure he would be on a longer contract than that.

Yeah Rodgers does seem to get the best out of players, and also seems to be able to improve their performance. Thats a vital qualification for a top manager as well as the tactical side of things, and he has shown that ability too albeit with a couple of slip-up’s. With regard to blooding the youngsters, I don’t think he’s had much option, giving the injury list, and the squad depth. However it’s testimony to his qualities as a manager that he does it so successfully, and has us knocking on the door of 1st and in with a strong chance of top 4 using all those youngsters. I think Rodgers is shaping up to be a top, top manager...it’s just that someone should give him a Mars Bar to chew on, when the Jurn’os are about!

I'v heard he's out of contract in the summer. I presume under-18s mightn't be allowed to sign long term contracts?

You are right I looked it up yesterday, I think he'll sign a new contract soon. I read an article from a Portuguese paper yesterday that he have an interview too and he sounds very happy at liverpool.

Credit goes only to the Academy I think. Sterling and Flanno are good players regardless of BR.

If there is any praise for BR then there is just as much criticism of not more for the players that he has failed. Tom Ince and Jonjo spring to mind.

Spearing was just not good enough. Championship player at best.

As for BR giving out debut's this is more because he has to rather than wanting to. I know it is good for the lads to get the opportunity, don't get me wrong but I'd rather have a bench of proven PL players, not trainees waiting to make the tea!

would that be the same Tom Ince who left in 2011?

Dates of events would appear to be a common issue for you