Liverpool’s academy has been responsible for a whole host of talented players over the years, with some breaking into the first-team and remaining there whilst others move on.
“There’s a scouser in our team...” echoes around Anfield on a weekly basis as the Merseyside faithful serenade Trent Alexander-Arnold who came through the academy system at Liverpool from age six and eventually solidifed his place in the first-team.
He’s since gone onto win major honours that include the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He’s just one example of a young star who found his home in the first-team, but not every young prospect has been so lucky.
For every local star, there’s a long list of players who just couldn’t make the jump at an early age, but then went onto play all across Europe and beyond.
We’ve looked back at a host of hot prospects to bring you a list of Liverpool wonderkids who made it, and some who didn’t.
He’s since gone onto win major honours that include the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. He’s just one example of a young star who found his home in the first-team, but not every young prospect has been so lucky.
9. Michael Owen
Incredible from a young age, Owen took to senior football like a duck to water and scored 18 and assisted 12 in his first full season in 97/98. His crowning moment was undoubtedly winning the Ballon D’or in 2001 after a stunning season under Gerard Houllier. Sadly, injuries denied Owen a chance to emulate his early career success but goes down as one of the best forwards Liverpool have ever had.
10. Ben Woodburn
Woodburn still stands as the youngster goalscorer in Liverpool’s history, but sadly, he couldn’t break through at the club. This was likely due to the strength of the squad under Jurgen Klopp at the time, meaning less opportunities were available. He departed in the summer for Preston North End and is currently a key figure for them in the Championship. Photo: Ian Walton
11. Raheem Sterling
Sterling was signed from QPR’s youth system where he then played for two years in the Liverpool youth set-up. He made his debut against Wigan in 2012, making him the third youngest player to debut for the club before then developing into a starting figure over the next few years before leaving for a trophy-laden spell with Manchester City in 2015.
12. Trent Alexander-Arnold
The best recent example of a young prospect who made it is Alexander-Arnold. He came into the team after an injury to Nathaniel Clyne in 2016 and never looked back as he went onto win every trophy available to him at club level as well as simultaneously developing into one of the best full-backs in world football.
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