Liverpool’s academy has been having a moment over the past season.
For as big a club as they are, the Reds have been shorn of home grown talent for a little too long over recent years.
Since the days of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, the only academy player to come through and become a vital part of the Liverpool squad has been Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Curtis Jones has started to show that he could be on a same trajectory, but is still yet to fully nail down his place as a starter for the Reds.
Now, with Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Owen Beck and even more, Liverpool could see a glut of youngsters make up for lost time.
Zac Jagielka heads away on trial
In amongst all of the youngsters coming through last season in particular, it was striking how many had famous footballing fathers.
Jayden Danns, for example, and all the promise that he obviously has, is the son of former Crystal Palace midfielder Neil Danns.
Another young striker, Lewis Koumas, calls former Wales international Jason his dad, while there’s also Bobby Clark, son of Lee. There are more besides.
One of others who the majority of fans are perhaps not aware of is Zac Jagielka, son of former Everton captain and England international Phil Jagielka.
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Jagielka signed for Liverpool as a 13-year-old. Now 17, the Wales U17 international has developed into a promising centre-forward.
However, according to Hull Live, Jagielka could be set to depart Anfield over the summer. They claim that the youngster is currently on-trial to join Hull City.
Reportedly hoping to earn a long-term deal with the Tigers, Jagielka is said to be preparing to travel with the underage sides to take part in Hull’s pre-season training camp in Turkey.
The trial is claimed to be part of the Championship side looking to capitalise on a ‘blossoming relationship’ with Liverpool. Hull are also reportedly still hopeful of securing a loan deal for James McConnell.
Liverpool youngsters set to impress Arne Slot
There is some brilliant work going on in the Liverpool academy these days. Not only are they producing players capable of being first-teamers for the Reds, they are also simply developing good footballers.
It’s obvious that the majority of young players who come through at the AXA Training Centre will not go on to stay at Liverpool long-term.
But if the Reds can play their part in creating good careers for these prospects at decent levels of the game, then they’re doing their jobs.
In that respect, this is a big few days for those Liverpool kids. With Arne Slot now in the building, he’ll be running the rule across them all. Perhaps one or two will catch his eye from nowhere.
For Jagielka, he will not be present for that. It now looks likely that his future will lie elsewhere. Hopefully he can take the opportunity on offer at Hull.
