The world of top-level football is not known for its patience, with instant success no longer seen as an achievement but rather a requirement. This week’s dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas illustrates the risks managers take in attempting to alter the dynamic of a club, and impose a new philosophy.
So why attempt to do so? If it means putting yourself on the line and facing criticism from the media and the fans, why put take the chance? This is something that Kenny Dalglish may well have to consider for the new campaign, as Liverpool’s academy players continue to make a case for a first team-call.
Each season there is a spend big mentality among the Premier League’s elite clubs, with those not breaking the bank made out to be moving in the wrong direction, but young players coming through the academies offer a real alternative to paying over the odds for new stars.
It’s fair to say that the Reds have been fairly underwhelming over the course of the past few seasons, missing out on Champions League football and, aside from last month’s victory at Wembley, failing to challenge for domestic silverware. These dissapointments have not come in a period of low spending either; the likes of Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Alberto Aquilani have all arrived with large price-tags, but failed to deliver the success hoped for. This season looks to be another in which Liverpool miss out a place at Europe’s top table, and the financial benefits that come with it, so instead of spending big, maybe its time that Kenny Dalglish looks at the academy with next season in mind.
There have been a few areas of the Merseysiders squad that appear to be in need of added depth and quality this term, despite the signings made this summer. Yes the Reds could cut their losses and offload players, but the fees likely to be received would be far reduced from payments made by Fenway Sports Group to bring them to Anfield. The promotion of academy players could be a real alternative to offer competition, produce talent for the long-term, and encourage other young players through a genuine possibility of breaking into the first-team.
Dalglish may be reluctant to do this, as slumping results and on-field performances suffering a hit, would almost certainly lead to question marks over his capabilities to manage at the highest level. These criticisms would be somewhat unfair, if the club were experimenting with inexperienced talent, but a mid-table finish would bring his role of under question, even with the legendary status he possesses at the club.
Highlights from Liverpool’s NextGen win over Molde
The Liverpool academy has be known to produce some fine players down the years, with the likes of Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, Dominic Matteo and of course our own Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher all going on to earn domestic honours and represent their nations at international level. As it stands the Reds academy is bursting at the seams with talent, and many of these youngsters have something to offer the first team. The likes of Raheem Sterling and Suso have earned rave reviews for their performances in the NextGen Cup, whereas Adam Morgan has gained a reputation for his deadly edge in front of goal. All three of these players could bring a new dimension to the first team set-up addressing the need for a goal-scoring threat and creativity in wide positions.
Although Jonjo Shelvey isn’t really a graduate of the academy set-up, his performances for the first team have showed that talented young players can produce. Along with him there have been the fleeting glimpses of Jon Flanagan and Jack Robinson, who showed promise at the back-end of last season, as well as the progress of Martin Kelly. Arguably the finest example remains as Jay Spearing, who is the first graduate to hold down a place in the senior set-up, filling in for the injured Lucas, in quite some time, with his all action style and commitment to the cause keeping making him a useful weapon in Dalglish’s armoury.
It may be a risk, but instead of stockpiling young talent, just to repeatedly loan them out before they are eventually sold on, benefits nobody involved. The Reds need to inject some spark into their squad, and although it may be a risk for King Kenny, the academy could give him just what he needs, while keeping one eye on the increasing profile of financial fair play.
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