As starts go, it’s been an extremely mixed bag for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, and it’s fair to say their supporters in the Transfer Tavern are already locked in for a season of ups and downs!
The Reds haven’t started poorly by any means, but after the scintillating win against Arsenal on the opening day of the season – they’ve lost to Burnley and drawn to Spurs.
It’s been a little underwhelming for the Reds in the Tavern after the rip-roaring start, but as we all know, predicting results for Klopp’s side is a tough old game.
They’ve got plenty of depth in the side this time round, and Klopp has had the whole summer to pick his team, and thus far it’s looking strong – with plenty of the deadwood that had been burdening the club now gone.
But one area that our landlord thinks has been slightly overlooked as the season has gotten underway is the youth and academy teams. There’s some special players in there at the moment and we want to see if any of them can make a difference this season both on the pitch and in your new FM campaigns!
So with that in mind, Hayden Atkins takes us through the THREE Liverpool wonderkids you must sign on Football Manager 17…
Brooks Lennon
Signed from Real Salt Lake City, 19-year-old striker Brooks Lennon is a seriously exciting prospect that continues to shine in the Liverpool academy – much to the joy of the Liverpool faithful in the Tavern.
He’s slowly making his way up to the U21 side and from there, he’s getting closer and closer to that elusive first-team call-up.
His strength is his versatility – he’s played across the whole of the forward line and Jerome Sinclair’s departure to Watford this summer might make it easier for Lennon to break into the side.
He shares his name with another Liverpool great, which the Liverpool faithful think can only be a good thing.
Shamal George
We’ve decided to put a goalkeeper in the mix to spice things up a touch – and he’s a good one at that.
18-year-old Shamal George is the latest young keeper making waves at Anfield and big things are expected in the Tavern.
He made the matchday squad on more than five occasions last season as Klopp lost faith in Adam Bogdan, and whilst he’s yet to make a senior appearance for the Reds – he’s expected to play regularly for the U21’s this season.
He’s got some tough competition in the U21’s side too, with both him and Andrew Firth vying for first-team opportunities – but we think this will only serve to make the youngster better.
Our landlord thinks that he could be an excellent signing for all you FM fans!
Adam Phillips
We think Phillips could be the next big youngster to come through the academy and he’s often been described as one of Liverpool’s most exciting young talents.
He’s a midfielder who has excellent set-piece ability, skill and he is someone who knows how to bring his colleagues into the game.
With Cameron Brannagan close to making the step up to Klopp’s first-team, Phillips will have the chance to pull the strings in the U21’s and really impress as Klopp remains on the lookout for young talent.
Our landlord thinks that it might be too early to compare him to a certain former midfielder, but there is real hope that Phillips can make the step up and shine in the Liverpool first team in years to come.
Sign him up ASAP.
