With the 2024/25 campaign now well underway, there are a number of notable young talents emerging from Liverpool’s thriving academy environment.
Two months into the season and with a new regime at the AXA Training Centre, there are very positive signs across the club.
There have been major changes to the first-team squad with the appointment of Arne Slot and his backroom, but off the pitch many changes have remained the same for the U21s and U18s.
So which players are attracting attention from the youth ranks of Barry Lewtas and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson so far?
Here are 10 prospects to watch out for in Liverpool’s academy.
Kornel Misciur – Goalkeeper
age: 17
nationality: English/Polish
Despite sharing duties with Harvey Davies, Misciur benefited from a timely red card for his older team-mate to secure top spot for the U21s.
Even though he turned 17 earlier this year, he showed height and performance befitting his young age.
An outstanding shot-stopper, Misciur is calm with the ball at his feet and is developing strong command of his own area, so it is no surprise that he is already being integrated as part of first-team training.
Carter Finnington – Center Back
age: 17
nationality: english
The first half of the season saw a seasoned core of form within Lewtas’ U21 squad, but teenage defender Pinnington is considered one of the youngest and highest-potential players in the group.
Finnington is a tall, strong centre-back who has also played left-back this season, and coaches value his versatility.
At Wirral, he actually made his U21 debut as a 15-year-old in 2022/23, but is now trusted as a true mainstay of the group.
Ranel Young – Striker
age: 18
nationality: english
Young has been unhappy with injuries in recent seasons, but he looks set to take advantage of Jayden Danns’ absence to take on a new role this season.
Although a natural winger, the 18-year-old has impressed in a central position for the U21s and has gained a greater understanding of the type of running and physicality required to lead the line.
He scored a stunning solo goal in a 3-2 win over Sunderland in September and also showed promise against AC Milan and Bologna in the UEFA Youth League.
DJ Esdayu – Right Back
age: 16
nationality: english
One of the youngest players on this list, Scouser and first-year scholar Esdaille will be looking to emulate the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
There are definitely similarities in the way they play as right backs. Esdaille, in particular, is already responsible for the role he often plays in a reversed role for the U18s.
Despite not turning 17 until December, the youngster is more than capable of holding his own in physical combat and is one of the most exciting talents in the Bridge-Wilkinson group.
Alvin Eiman – central midfielder
age: 17
nationality: Egyptian
Summer signing Ayman (pictured left) arrived from Wolves at the end of the summer after a long wait to secure a move worth around £1.5m.
Liverpool’s spending may have raised expectations, but it has been a quiet start to his life at the club so far, with the teenager cautious when it comes to action.
However, there are already promising signs and Aiman’s abilities as a box-to-box midfielder will begin to show as the campaign progresses.
Ollie O’Connor – attacking midfielder
age: 16
nationality: english
Few would have named O’Connor as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects before the season began, but the Scouser has already distinguished himself among the U18s’ top players.
He has done so in a variety of positions, including on the outside, but appears most comfortable in his natural role as a central midfielder.
There is a balance to his game that is often lacking in players of his class, and Bridge-Wilkinson will likely rely on him to be an integral part of the starting line-up. you’re right.
Joe Bradshaw – Winger
age: 16
nationality: english
While more attention may be focused on Liverpool’s youth players in the early stages of the season, Bradshaw’s continued development should not be overlooked.
Signed from Accrington Stanley in 2021, he is now a regular starter on either flank for the U18s, but could also be utilized more centrally.
With nimble feet and an eye for the pass, Bradshaw appears to be honing his decision-making in front of goal. Although he missed a costly penalty in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle in September, he moved up the rankings ahead of regular taker Josh Sonni. Lambie, shows you have room to grow.
Rio Ngumoha – Winger
age: 16
nationality: english
There was palpable excitement around Ngumoha after joining from Chelsea last summer, but expectations surrounding the young winger should be tempered.
At this stage, the 16-year-old was understandably unable to find a number of more useful passes, preferring to run towards defenders.
But there’s also so much to enjoy about Ngumoha’s game. With coaches focusing on his development as he trains with the U21s every day, there are hopes he can blossom once he settles down.
Kieran Morrison – attacking midfielder
age: 17
nationality: Northern Ireland
It’s hard to believe that Morrison, who has long been considered one of the Academy’s stars, is only 17 years old.
Youth team coaches have opted for a steady approach when tracking his progress, and it is only now, two seasons after his first success with the U18s, that he is considered a regular for the U21s.
He has taken on that increased responsibility admirably, forcing him to be more varied in attack while dealing with bigger, more experienced defenders, and it has paid off so far.
Amara Nalo – Center back
age: 17
nationality: english
Already on the first-team radar, he was appointed as Liverpool U21’s main centre-back this season, with players such as Finnington and Weliti Lucky rotating around him.
There was an emphasis on the 17-year-old leading the team at the heart of defence, including wearing the captain’s armband in the U19s’ 2-1 win over Bologna in the UEFA Youth League.
Nallo added a goal to the match later that afternoon, complementing his excellent skills as a fast, strong and technically gifted centre-back, scoring the winner.
