Liverpool supporters were given a sighting of three of their most highly-rated young players on the pitch at the same time during Wednesday’s win over Qarabag.
Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni were joined by Amara Nallo as Arne Slot finally turned towards the Reds’ talented youth.
That continued in the days following the match, as Josh Abe confirmed he trained with the Liverpool first-team on Thursday.
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Curtis Jones raises his arms above his head in celebration at the final whistle of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Marco Canoniero/LightRocket).
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Although only 15, Abe has many people at Liverpool excited about his potential, and he underlined that once again by scoring twice for the U18s on Friday.
After the young Reds’ 4-2 win over Burnley, coach Simon Wiles outlined just how exciting Abe’s current performances are.
Josh Abe praised for cutting in ability
A pacy wide attacker with an excellent left foot, Abe has some echoes of a certain Mohamed Salah.
His talents have not gone unnoticed, and as well as having his first senior recognition this week, the teenager is also attracting interest from clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal over a potential summer move.
Josh Abe is brought down by goalkeeper Joseph Wilcock during Liverpool U18s match against Burnley U18s at the AXA Training Centre.
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Listening to Wiles speak to The Redmen TV about Abe, and it is clear that Liverpool must do whatever they can to keep him at Kirkby.
“You can see, you just keep seeing him growing with confidence and the quality that he’s got. He’s got a real knack for when he does come inside, hitting the back of the net. That is a real talent,” said the coach.
“So it’s really exciting working with him. Seeing him perform like that. I thought the second goal was fantastic with Luca [Eden] to place the ball over the top, brilliant. So yeah, Josh is in a really good place, as are Erik [Farkas] and Luca at this time as well, all doing really, really well.”
Is Josh Abe the biggest talent at the LFC academy?
If not, who is?
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Liverpool look destined to lose Abe
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Abe’s good development feels likely to only enhance the clamour for his signature this summer.
First-team exposure will help, and Liverpool are clearly trying to tempt the 15-year-old into staying put, but it may all be in vain.
Abe has recently signed with the PLG Agency, the group known to Liverpool fans as that of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s agent brother, Tyler.
Given what happened with Alexander-Arnold last summer and the fact that Abe toured behind the scenes at Real Madrid in December, things are not looking good.
Until anything is official hope will remain, but supporters should be wary that Abe’s considerable talents may be realised on somebody else’s pitches.
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