There were not many reasons for Liverpool supporters to complain during the 2024/25 season.

After unexpectedly winning the Premier League for the second time in six campaigns, everything went to plan for the Reds.

However, if there was one small crinkle, it was that Arne Slot somewhat overlooked using players from the Liverpool academy.

Jurgen Klopp was often praised for his use of the Liverpool youth teams, with the 2023/24 season being arguably the best example of this.

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Klopp won the Carabao Cup with a makeshift team full of young players who looked destined to play a bigger role under Slot.

For whatever reason, though, few of these youngsters were given opportunities under the new Liverpool head coach.

That could all be about to change, however, with Liverpool making a key appointment which is reportedly causing excitement internally.



Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesRob Page expected to promote more Liverpool youngsters

While there was change at the top of the coaching staff last year, 2025 has seen similar shifts in the academy.

Barry Lewtas left his job as U21s head coach, while Marc Bridge-Wilkinson followed suit at U18 level.

A revamp has been needed.

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Liverpool took the first step towards that on Wednesday, announcing the appointment of former Wales manager Rob Page as the new U21s boss.

Given his status as a recent international manager, Page’s addition is an eye-catching one, and according to The Athletic, is leading to new expectations within the club.

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They claim that Liverpool ‘believe his appointment can help enhance the pathway for young players from the club’s academy to the first-team set-up.’

After a slightly down year under Slot, Page could be about to supercharge the academy and leave Liverpool with more talent than ever before.

Who is Rob Page?

Although it may not be the most glamorous position at Liverpool, manager of the U21s is a very important job.

The Reds have made a big effort over the past decade to get their academy in line with other top clubs and produce more talent in house.

The arrival of Page should help with that, with the 50-year-old bringing a huge amount of experience to Kirkby.

Having enjoyed an 18-year playing career with the likes of Watford, Sheffield United, Cardiff and Wales, Page has managerial experience with Port Vale, Northampton Town, Wales U21s and the full national team.

After succeeding Ryan Giggs, Page led Wales to their first World Cup for 64 years in 2022, before failure to qualify for Euro 2024 saw the former centre-back sacked last June.