Liverpool’s academy is an integral part of the club’s identity, but an issue with the youth approach has been raised by Robbie Fowler — and it’s a fair point.
One of the most famous academy products in Liverpool’s history, Fowler knows what it’s like to rise through the ranks.
Youth development is a key activity for any club, but there has always been an emphasis on it as part of the Liverpool way.
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Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
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There is a worrying trend developing, though. Fowler thinks something needs to change.
Robbie Fowler wants more local lads brought into Liverpool’s academy
A Scouser himself, Fowler sees the link between the club and the city as pivotal to any success Liverpool might enjoy.
He is concerned with the lack of local talent being recruited.
Curtis Jones is the only one left in the first-team after Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid in the summer, and there are no obvious prospects coming through.
Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool
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Appearing on The Smith Bros show on deadline day, Fowler discussed the pressure on Florian Wirtz, before turning his attention to the academy.
They were talking about the lack of locals coming through, with one host theorising that competition has just gotten so high for places.
Fowler responded: “I do understand, I do get that. But I think maybe from a club point of view I think they should be going down consciously trying to get local kids.
“Because we’ve seen how much it lifts the fans, you know. We’ve seen how much that can sort of engage the football club with the surroundings.”
As an elite European club, the priority always has to be quality when it comes to recruitment both for the senior team and the academy.
But Fowler makes a valid point. There’s just a different emotion involved in seeing a player win at the highest level with their boyhood club.
Liverpool could be Scouser-less next season
During the winter window, there was plenty of speculation over the future of the last remaining local in Arne Slot’s squad.
Jones was linked to Spurs early in the month, and then Inter came in as a potential suitor just before deadline day.
Slot said he didn’t want to weaken the squad any more, so the 25-year-old has remained at Liverpool for the time being.
How much longer should Liverpool persevere with Curtis Jones?
Surely there are better options out there in the market…
Curtis Jones lines up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Getty Images/Photo Agency).
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If interest is renewed in the summer, FSG might decide to cash in on Jones. That would leave no local players in the squad — a sad notion, but a realistic one.
If that were to happen, it would only justify Fowler’s criticism.
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