Eight Scousers to watch out for in the Liverpool academy after Curtis Jones leaves local void
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Curtis Jones’ expected Liverpool exit may not have a huge impact on the pitch, but it will lead to a significant development off it, with the Reds left without a Scouser in the first-team.From way back before Steven Gerrard’s long career, through to Trent Alexander-Arnold and now Jones, it has been a long while since Liverpool did not have local representation in their squad.Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas may both have something to say about that in the upcoming season, but Koumas is likely to go out on loan, while Danns cannot stay fit enough to be considered a genuine option. Liverpool may be about to have one of the best young wing duos in Europe!
The 18-year-old is highly-rated, and with the Reds currently struggling for options on the right of defence, Esdaille will have his eye on cup appearances this season.So too will centre-back Noah Adekoya, who may have been disappointed not to be included on the tour of the USA this summer with Liverpool short on defensive options.Adekoya made a good start to life with his local club after joining from Burnley in January, and if the 19-year-old can kick on again, he may soon become a candidate to feature.Another Scouse centre-back looking to develop further is 16-year-old Joseph Dixon, but the teenager will not be anywhere near the first-team this season.Meanwhile, the young midfielders at the academy will have no doubt looked up to Jones – as well as Gerrard – as examples of what can happen when things go right for them at Liverpool, and there are several candidates hoping to kick on in 2026/27.Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesOne of them is Michael Laffey, who is described by Liverpoolfc.com as a ‘tenacious midfielder with an eye for a pass.’ The 20-year-old featured during the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield last year and though he doesn’t look especially close to the first-team, he is clearly talented.As is 18-year-old Ryan Cowley, who is set to join the U21s this season, while 17-year-old Ellis Hickman is another who may have his eyes on the right-back vacancy. Capable of playing in midfield or at full-back, Hickman could be a name to watch out for in the U21s as well.Another making the step up to the U21s this season is Oliver O’Connor, who is described as a ‘creative midfielder who carries an eye for goal.’ Another 18-year-old, O’Connor could catch Iraola’s eye with the U21s.Liverpool have been crying out for a No.
6 in recent years, and 18-year-old Joe Upton may now begin eyeing that with interest as he too begins life with the U21s. Meanwhile, there are several Wirral-born youngsters also hoping to make the grade, including 16-year-old midfielder Charlie Phillips, highly-rated 17-year-old Haydn Murray-Holme, and 15-year-old striker Zak Coxton.It remains to be seen whether any of these hopefuls will be able to step up and follow Jones’ lead, but Liverpool will not want to go too long without seeing one of their own wear the shirt.