The Liverpool academy has produced some wonderful talents over the years that have gone on to have great success.
The names of Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and, of course, Steven Gerrard spring to mind.
Although the club has fallen away dramatically in recent seasons from the top teams, there is a new breed of talented youngsters, who seem to be progressing through the ranks quickly.
Not only are these players just challenging for a regular first team role, they have the hunger and ambition to turn the fortunes around of the Merseyside club.
Shelvey signs again
Twenty-year-old Jonjo Shelvey is a bright and feisty talent, who might not have come through Liverpool’s academy but is a young gun with great things ahead of him.
This week he put pen to paper on a new long-term contract to stay at the club.
Shelvey (pictured) was signed by Rafa Benitez from Charlton Athletic for £1.7m in May 2010, only a month before the Spaniard left the club. He has had time on loan at Blackpool and has played 37 games for the Reds, scoring twice.
This included a brilliant long range strike in an impressive 4-1 win over Chelsea at the back-end of last season.
He hasn’t always found it easy in a Liverpool shirt but his loan spell at Bloomfield Road last campaign did him the world of good. He is learning and improving with each game and, with this new deal, has an exciting and prosperous future ahead of him.
Martin Kelly
Another player with a big future is right back Martin Kelly. The 22-year-old flourished in Kenny Dalglish’s 16-month second tenure as Liverpool manager.
Although he hasn’t won a regular place in the starting eleven, Kelly has been given many opportunities in the last two seasons and taken them with so much confidence.
He is competing with Glen Johnson for the right back role and although not as attack-minded as Johnson, isn’t as naïve as Johnson is when it comes to defensive duties.
He has one goal in 47 first team appearances so far. That came in the League Cup quarter-final last season at Stamford Bridge.
He also made England’s Euro 2012 squad and, although he wasn’t used in Poland/Ukraine, Kelly is another future star in a period where England are producing a series of excellent young right backs.
Jay Spearing
Like Kelly, Jay Spearing has come through the Liverpool academy and the local midfielder has become a valuable member of the squad.
He has had his critics, especially for the lack of height as a central midfielder but what Spearing does have, is hunger and energy to win the ball back and attempt to dominate the midfield.
Injuries to Steven Gerrard and Lucas in recent times have given Spearing many more appearances and the former reserve team captain has become a solid if unspectacular player.
Still only 23, there is the chance to improve even more, although a loan move could be ideal this season, depending on the fitness of Gerrard, Lucas and Charlie Adam.
Hard working, determined and a battler, Jay Spearing has shown good progress so far but his chances in the coming season could be more limited than in previous years.
Jon Flanagan & Jack Robinson
When an injury crisis hit Liverpool defensively in April 2011, both Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson, graduates from the Melwood Academy came into the first team sooner than expected.
Flanagan made his debut and impressed hugely in a 3-0 win over Manchester City and is one of the most controlled players to have come through the system for years.
With Kelly and Johnson in his way, he might benefit from a loan move this season like Spearing, to help develop his education. However, he is part of the club’s future for many years to come.
19-year old Jack Robinson has represented England at U17 and U19 level and could have more of an impact in the coming season.
With Fabio Aurelio having departed and the lack of quality left backs around in the world, Robinson will provide the side with adequate backup for Jose Enrique.
He may have only made five appearances for the club so far but big things are expected of Robinson and he could get more first team game time in 2012-13.
Big names could be challenged
Liverpool Football Club is going through a significant transformation and there is no doubt that Brendan Rodgers will keep a close eye on the talents being produced from the excellent academy at Melwood.
Big names will be required to get the club back into healthier league positions but the youngsters mentioned, all have a part to play for many years to come. They are the next generation.
At any club, you want to see youngsters emerging and growing into excellent footballers. Liverpool’s young guns certainly could challenge some of the higher profile players for regular starting berths next season.
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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