Jarell Quansah may be the next regular starter for Liverpool’s first team, as the club’s academy should always be a source of talent. If he establishes himself at senior level, he will follow in the footsteps of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, and Caoimhin Kelleher. The trio of Luke Chambers, James McConnell, and Calum Scanlon all debuted in 2023, while Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak continued to cement their spots. Looking ahead to 2024, Trey Nyoni, a versatile midfielder who has made swift progress from the U18s to the fringes of the first team, could be the next to debut. Jayden Danns, a tall and strong striker who has scored 15 goals in 13 games for the U18s, could make the step up to the U21s on a full-time basis. Amara Nallo, a physically imposing centre-back who has become a staple of the U21s defence, should continue his progress in 2024.
After the English Football League Trophy Round of 32 match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21’s at Valley Parade, Liverpool’s Carter Pinnington showed his appreciation to the supporters despite the team’s 4-0 loss. The 16-year-old centre-back from Bebington, Wirral, has been a quick addition to Barry Lewtas’ U21s this season and has partnered with Nallo at the back on several occasions. Pinnington is a tall and dominant centre-back who can also play in defensive midfield. He has settled in quickly and impressed Lewtas during the U21s’ 3-0 victory over Morecambe in the EFL Trophy. Meanwhile, 17-year-old winger Trent Kone-Doherty has played for both the U18s and U21s this season, impressing on both flanks. The Irishman scored a stunning left-footed strike on the opening day of the campaign against Nottingham Forest, hit a hat-trick in the 7-1 thrashing of Sunderland, and has recently been involved in senior training. Liverpool’s Kieran Morrison, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder, made his debut for the U18s as an U16 player in 2022/23 and has become one of Bridge-Wilkinson’s key players while also featuring for the U21s. The Northern Ireland youth international is adept in a number of roles, including out wide in attack, but is perhaps best as an overlapping attacking midfielder, utilising his dribbling ability. Lucas Pitt, a 17-year-old centre-back/full-back, has been the standout of the U18s’ defensive options, performing admirably at both positions. Pitt came through Hughie McAuley’s youth academy before signing for Liverpool as an eight-year-old. Finally, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, who is 16 years old, looked dejected after conceding the third goal during the U18 Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Campus.
At the start of September, the AXA saw a new face in first-team training with Misciur joining the goalkeeping ranks. Despite being a 16-year-old first-year scholar, Misciur has already made a name for himself as the first choice for the U18s. He may be called upon to work with Alisson and Co. whenever numbers are light.
Trueman, a 17-year-old midfielder, has become a mainstay at the base of Bridge-Wilkinson’s midfield as a first-year scholar. He is not a typical defensive midfielder, with technical quality that attracted headlines when he scored 123 goals in 18 games at the age of seven. Trueman could be a candidate for early promotion to the U21s as he figures to feature prominently throughout 2024.
Bradshaw, a 15-year-old attacking midfielder, is a standout among the youngsters on the fringes of the U18s. He is taller and stronger than his age would suggest and can play in a number of positions in both midfield and attack. Bradshaw scored on his U18s debut and may feature more regularly after the mid-season reshuffle.
