Liverpool have been well-known for producing some top-class youngsters.
The Reds’ academy is one of the best in England, with players such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Curtis Jones all progressing through the youth ranks and into the first team.
Currently, their most exciting talent, Rio Ngumoha, originally came from Chelsea’s academy, but others, such as Jayden Danns, Stefan Bajcetic, and James McConnell, are all on the cusp of the first-team squad.
Liverpool player James McConnell playing for England.
Photo by Fran Santiago – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
And, due to the reputation they have of bringing players through and into their Premier League squads, a lot of youngsters want to make the move to Anfield and prove their worth at one of the best clubs in the world.
Manchester United starlet says Florian Wirtz is the best young player in the Premier League
There’s no hiding from the fact that Liverpool have spent a massive amount of money on improving their ranks this summer.
Even though they managed to come away with the Premier League title last season, it was clear that Arne Slot felt like his team needed a massive overhaul to stay competitive.
Players such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have been brought in to bolster Liverpool’s ranks; however, it isn’t either of them who has caught the eye of Manchester United starlet, Harley Emsden-James.
While speaking to Rising Ballers, Emsden-James was asked to stay silent until he heard the name of the best young player in the Premier League.
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Players such as Ethan Nwaneri, Savinho, and Moises Caicedo were all brought up, but he only broke his silence when Florian Wirtz’s name was mentioned, and he went, “Yeah, yeah, stop there.”
Liverpool have built a team for now as well as the future
Although the average age of Liverpool’s first-team squad has likely plummeted this summer, it’s certainly for the better.
Players such as Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have been moved on, with others, such as Isak and Ekitike, coming in to replace them.
Indeed, Diaz did have his best-ever season for Liverpool last term, but since the Reds didn’t want to offer him a contract extension and he only had two years left on his deal, selling the Colombian was the best way forward for both parties.
This summer, it’s clear that Slot has chosen to also build for the future, rather than just now.
For example, Kostas Tsimikas has been sent out on loan, with 21-year-old Milos Kerkez brought in to replace him.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
And, while Kerkez may still need some time to settle into being a Liverpool player, there’s no denying that he has an extremely high ceiling.
At the moment, it’s unclear if the Reds’ £400million+ spend will work out, but if it does, it could end up being a major turning point in the history of the club.