|
|
Post by knowingeye on Nov 23, 2008 4:58:35 GMT
Very impressive performance from the u-18s at the Michelin considering the vast difference in budgets and the significant foreign influence playing for Liverpool. Their keeper, Aussie Dean Bouzanis is not the best in his age group, as allegedly described by Benitez, and certainly responsible not coming out for the cross leading to the final Stoke goal resulting in a 2-2 finish.
MOM for Liverpool was Joe Kennedy, apparently being released by Liverpool and having trialled at Wigan. MOM for Stoke more difficult to assess, as it was a solid team performance.
Liverpool are simply not as good as under the Heighway regime, but can't take anything away from Stoke and all in all, a great performance. Good to see Noel Blake there watching the lads.
|
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Nov 23, 2008 13:32:53 GMT
Sounds promising KE! They seem to have started slowly and built their way up to some form. Very encouraging results are coming from the academy, which is very pleasing.
|
|
|
|
Post by knowingeye on Nov 23, 2008 21:25:07 GMT
Sounds promising KE! They seem to have started slowly and built their way up to some form. Very encouraging results are coming from the academy, which is very pleasing. Bayern. It's good to see solid foundations being built for the Academy and if they can take on someone like Steve Holland or Ronnie Sinclair as director I honestly think the place has a future, unlike at the end of the Icelander period (not allowed to say p***** munchers on here now!). But not letting things run away with us, as I've seen a few games this season with Vale and when they are firing on all cylinders they too would have beaten the Liverpool team playing against Stoke on Saturday, but overall things are getting better (much better than at Crewe). It's a matter of consistency with player development and one or two players at Stoke really stand out as real prospects. Getting the right man, as Academy director, for the next phase will be very important especially for the u-16s & u-15s groups. |
|
|
|
Post by bayernoatcake on Nov 23, 2008 21:41:20 GMT
It is an important appointment for the club if we want to develop our own players fit for the first team squad. Who are the couple You rate highly?
|
|
|
|
Post by knowingeye on Nov 25, 2008 7:30:46 GMT
Nath Wedderburn and Ryan Connor for sure. Good to see some of the u-16s giving a chance too.
|
|
|
|
Post by daverichards on Nov 25, 2008 7:58:05 GMT
Its good to see our Youths getting results against clubs who are considered to be amongst the best in the business at developing talent and bring players through .
The Icelanders attitude to youth acadamies was deplorable, and we have to be thankful that Coates and Rawlins put their foot down over the situation at the time (at least thats how it seemed from this distance I may of course be wrong)
How is Jimmy Philips getting on at Stafford ? and does he have what it takes to be a top 2 division player ? I saw him at the Res game last season at Oldham Res, and he has all the skill in the world but seemed to lack a certain something sadly
|
|
|
|
Post by A-teen_six_T3 on Nov 25, 2008 8:05:15 GMT
As you know Dan Buxton does all the academy reporting for the official site, and I'm very good mates with him. So I got watch the odd few games and when i don't he tells me enough information....i know more about the game than i would have done if i went myself.
Anyway there are a couple of players who could defiantly make it as championship players Jimmy being one of them, Wedderburn another.
|
|
|
|
Post by knowles on Nov 25, 2008 9:16:46 GMT
I watched the game with Dan on Saturday. It was a very spirited fightback from the lads (after a first Liverpool goal that never crossed the line).
Interesting to note that Dean Saunders (now Wrexham boss) watched the first half, tracking young Nat (who stood out like a sore thumb). He needs a loan move to try and further himself as under 18 level is too easy for him at the moment.
Also, local agents Graham Shaw and Clive Clarke were there, along with new Vale signing Gareth Owen.
A wind barrier would be very welcome down at the Mich....
|
|
|
|
Post by MarkWolstanton on Nov 25, 2008 18:04:06 GMT
Those of you who have Setanta should be able to watch highlights of Saturdays game on the Academy show on Liverpool TV at 7pm tonight.
|
|
|
|
Post by knowingeye on Nov 26, 2008 9:41:06 GMT
How is Jimmy Philips getting on at Stafford ? and does he have what it takes to be a top 2 division player ? I saw him at the Res game last season at Oldham Res, and he has all the skill in the world but seemed to lack a certain something sadly Perhaps a touch light topsides and needs some additional upper body strength, which, if his physique is in order can be worked on over the next couple of years with Gym work. It's not unusual for the slower developing lads. If you remember Ronaldo when he joined ManU he was too light and being pushed off the ball very easily, now his upper body strength is immense (doesn't stop him from being tackled!). Interestingly, the opposite may may true for some of the bigger lads like Warwick Alexander, who despite his size seems to cover the ground by being tactically in the right place and winning the ball scoring several last-minute goals recently to win or draw games. But his size appears to slow him down This is why the Academy or SoE cut off at eighteen years old for issuing pro-contracts is too young for many players and there has to be consideration to an u-16-u21 youth structure to enable development for some to take place. |
|
