Image Credits: Imago Images
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola was involved in the club’s Under-21 training session on Thursday as he continues to settle into life at the AXA Training Centre.
With the senior squad still away following international duty and summer breaks, Iraola has turned his attention to the club’s academy, watching the U21s train alongside sporting director Richard Hughes.
The Spaniard was also seen speaking with Under-21 manager Rob Page, highlighting his interest in Liverpool’s emerging talent.
Harvey Elliott and new signing Jeremy Jacquet were among those involved in the session, while 15-year-old academy prospect Luca Eden was also part of it.
Eden is regarded as one of Liverpool’s brightest young talents. Last season, he made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score for the club’s Under-18 side after coming off the bench to win and convert a penalty against Burnley at just 14 years old.
His goal came only a month after he became Liverpool’s youngest-ever Under-18 debutant, featuring against Manchester United at the age of 14 years, eight months and 20 days to surpass the previous record held by Josh Davidson. Having joined Liverpool as a four-year-old in 2015, Eden has progressed rapidly through the academy ranks.
Although he officially plays at Under-15 level, he has become a regular with the Under-16s after stepping in for fellow midfielder Haydn Murray-Holme.
The midfielder has also earned international recognition, captaining England’s Under-15 side towards the end of 2025.
Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola will face the media for the first time on Monday morning during his official unveiling as Liverpool head coach.
Iraola was appointed in early June after Arne Slot was dismissed following a disappointing defence of Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title.
The former Bournemouth boss began work at the AXA Training Centre this week alongside several first-team players who returned early for pre-season preparations ahead of the squad’s full return next Tuesday.
Liverpool will hold Iraola’s first press conference at Kirkby on Monday at 11am BST, where he will take questions from the media.
After a week of training at the AXA Training Centre, Liverpool will travel to the United States on Monday, July 20, for a pre-season camp ahead of a three-match tour against Sunderland, Leeds United and Wrexham.
The Reds will initially be without their World Cup representatives, although Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Alisson Becker are expected to feature during the tour.
However, Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz, who have reached the quarter-finals with Argentina and Spain respectively, are unlikely to join up with the squad until after the US trip.
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— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) July 9, 2026