So after one of the most exciting 2 weeks transfer wise for the Reds, it looks like Rafa might finally be done with his spending spree until January at least, especially with the announcement that Heinze will definitely not be gracing the hallowed turf of Anfield on a regular basis this coming season. So where does all this leave us? Obviously we’ve beefed up our attack – an exchange of Fowler, Bellamy and Garcia for Torres, Voronin and Babel looks like a nice piece of nifty business. Indeed who’s to say Benayoun won’t turn out to be an astute buy, and prove to be one of our vital cogs during the season providing ball after ball for a hungry attack. But what is to become of our FA Youth Cup hero’s and the new players brought into the academy? We’ve heard plenty noise’s from our new American owners about a new model being put in place where a focus on youth will be a major factor, an idea with which Rafa is only too happy to follow. A quick look at the youngsters players at our disposal certainly does give us plenty hope for the future. A case can surely be made for Jay Spearing to become 2nd choice right back behind Finnan based on his showing against Man Utd last season, and on praise coming from the youth coaching staff. Paletta made a few first team appearances last season, though admittedly didn’t shine and struggled at times. Insua gave a decent show at Craven Cottage in May for the seniors, while El Zhar showed a glimmer or two of a possible star in the making with lively sprints down the right wing. Craig Lindfield and Robbie Threfall were two players who had absolutely fantastic campaigns in the youth cup last season, with Lindfield in particular looking to have the physique to stand his own ground in the premiership. Jack Hobbs and Miki Roque are two others who will be hoping to make an impression in the coming season, possibly with a view to replacing the legend that is Sami Hyypia when old limbs finally cause him to call it a day. And if hype from Eastern Europe is to be believed, we’ve secured a few gems in Mihaylov, and the two Hungarian lads. The major key to their development will ultimately be down to how much of a run out they get in the senior team. And for the new American model to work, we are going to need to see two or three players making a fair few substitute appearances over the course of a season, with one of these players actually making a position his own. So what do you think? Can we actually bring in a few youths this season, allowing them a decent chance (like Carra and Stevie were given) while still allowing us to maintain a title challenge? Or are we obliged to just play our strongest 11 all season long, hope we can nick a title from Man Utd and Chelsea but ultimately disrupt the development of our potential talent?
The young talent will definitely get there chance in the league cup. But the best thing i think Rafa is doing is loaning them out to lower division teams to get first team experience. The likes of Anderson, Antwi, Hammill and Guthrie are now out on loan. These players will experience more playing competitve football to show their qualities. Look at Carson last season that loan to Charlton did him a load of good, Hammill did very well at Dunfermline and Antwi did well while on loan at Lincoln. Don't be suprised if the likes to Threfall, Hobbs, Roque and Spearing be given a substitute appearance but eventually will be loaned out as Reserve football won't be as beneficial as playing competively week in and out a lower clubs or in Guthrie's case a premiership team. As for the reasons mentioned above Rafa is going about things the right way. Giving these guys a season or two at youth/reserve level before getting them ready to be loaned play week in week out at lower division clubs so that when it comes to playing in the Premiership they can be prepared for first team action. The fact i think would be served well on Paletta if he was loaned out a to a Championship club to gain first team experience and acclimatise to english football. Patience is the key as we wil, reap the benefits of these loans schemes in years too come
Definitely youth is the way to go. If 3-4 players come through, great, more even better. I think the youth players we have bought are setting us up for the future. We have midfielders, defenders, keepers and strikers in our new batch. Players that come through the club from a relative "grass roots level" are likely to learn and appreciate out history and so be the next-best equivalent of local lads ( to some degree). Maybe we could compete financially with Chelsea, but do we really want to. Very few of their players appreciate the clubs history (lets not be cruel here). Terry I respect, he seems to be a blood and guts player but Ballack, Shevchenko and others only go through the motions at times, seemingly happy to collect the big cheques. This approach to buying promising talent, loan out and gain experience in lower leagues (aclimatise to English weather for some ) while instilling in them how lucky there are to be contracted to one of the worlds greatest club, with the worlds best fans, can only harvest the type of players we will write songs for in 3-4 years time.
the '96 Youth Cup winning Team unearthed Carra,Michael Owen and David Thompson.a few Players are bound to make the breakthrough from the Teams that have won the last 2 Youth Cups.my Money would be on Stephen Darby,Jay Spearing and Robbie Threlfall.Threlfall has always impressed any time i've seen him play...... Lindfield and Anderson looked good after last Year's Final but never progressed.Rafa has said he wants the younger Players to challenge for 1st Team places.if Players knuckle down they'll eventually show their true worth,Carra is a prime example of that.
Its a pity that Lindfield and Anderson didn't take the next step up. Playing reserve football ain't going to that. Thats why Rafa has sent Anderson out on loan to Swansea. Wouldn't be suprised if Lindfield was loaned out to Crewe either this coming season.