STEVEN GERRARD FANS

Article by Evan Yore

A few years ago, Rafa Benitez and Rick Parry, then Chief Executive of Liverpool, had a bit of a run in about the clubs Youth Academy and the lack of players coming through the ranks. In recent times only Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard remain at the club from their time at the academy. Others like Michael Owen or Robbie Fowler have moved on or retired. The lack of quality coming through was perceived to be a problem, so Rafa overhauled the system and perhaps now we are beginning to see the fruits of his labor. Listed below are some of Liverpool’s young guns, perhaps not household names now, but who in a couple of years, may just be.

Dani Pacheco(Striker, 18 Years Old)

Signed from Barcelona in the summer of 2007, Pacheco is a small striker who has exceptional close control, touch and vision. He is a regular reserve team player at 18 and is tipped to begin to make the breakthrough into the first team squad in the next season or so.

Martin Kelly(Defender, 19 years old)

Bolton born Kelly is an accomplished defender who can play anywhere along the back line. He impressed when selected at right back in the Champions League game with Lyon and is already a regular in the reserve team defense and an England U19 international.

All these players have shown skill and ability above their years and before long it seems likely these boys will have a spot in the top division.

Krisztian Nemeth (Striker, 20 years old)

Hungarian born Nemeth is currently out on loan at Greek side AEK Athens where he has registered 3 goals in 7 appearances for the club. Highly regarded at Anfield he netted an impressive brace in the clubs 5-0 pre-season victory over Singapore.

Nathan Eccleston(Striker 19 years old)

Handed his first team debut this season against Arsenal and his league debut against Fulham, Eccleston is a fast striker who has caught the eye with his power and strength. Currently a regular in the reserves, he is a former England Youth international.

Christopher Buchtmann(Defender/Midfielder 17 years old)

Following a starring role in Germany’s U17 European Championship victory, Christopher Buchtmann was named on a UEFA list of the top 10 stars of the future. The left sided defender/midfielder has already forced his way into reserve team reckoning and a bright future beckons.

David Amoo(Winger 18 years old)

A quick winger with an unerring ability to score goals, Amoo began his career in football at Millwall but was snapped up by the academy as a youngster where he has progressed well since, scoring 12 goals in the U18’s progress to the FA Youth cup final.

Dean Bouzanis(Goalkeeper, 19 years old)

The Aussie shot stopper played a key role in guiding Liverpool to the FA Youth cup final last season. He has caught the eye of Liverpool Goalkeeping coaches Xavi Valero and John Achterburg with his command of the penalty box and his excellent distribution skills.

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