Since Jurgen Klopp came to Anfield, he has made it a point to give the youngsters more and more chances in the first team. The coach has regularly fielded the youth in cup games, and a few of the players have shown massive potential and may be first-team regulars soon.
While the majority of Liverpool's current team comprises of signed stars, the youth development system has gotten better over the years and an all academy XI looks pretty competitive on paper. Here we look at our best XI compiled of academy players, both at the club and on loan right now.
Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
The Reds signed Kelleher in 2015. Having progressed through the ranks at the club's Academy, Kelleher trains with the first team at Melwood.
The 21-year-old has impressed in the youth levels and was present in Madrid last season when Liverpool won the Champions League. The Irish international is young and sharp, and he may be the second-choice keeper soon for the Reds.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Easily Liverpool's greatest academy product since Steven Gerrard, the talented right-back has captained Liverpoolβs U16 and U18 teams on his journey to the top level under Jurgen Klopp.
The 22-year-old is arguably the best right-back in the world right now, and he is already a Champions League winner and will most likely lift the Premier League soon too.
Centre-back: Tom Clayton
Clayton is the only player on this team who is yet to make a senior appearance, but the 19-year-old is a talented and hard-working player who is great on the ball.
He made his debut for the U18s in 2017-18 under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard and had a brilliant season in the youth team. He will be looking to make a strong impression for the U23's next season and may be given his first senior appearance soon.
Centre-back: Ki-Jana Hoever
Ki-Jana Hoever completed his move to Liverpool from Ajax in September 2018. The defender is adept at both centre-half or right-back, and he is the club's youngest debutant in the FA Cup at the age of 16 years and 354 days.
Big things are expected of the strong and sharp defender, and he could be a regular on the first-team bench within the next two seasons.
Left-back: Yasser Larouci
Originally a winger, Larouci was transformed to a left-back during the 2018-19 campaign and he has performed brilliantly at the role.
was one of the star performers as Liverpool won a fourth FA Youth Cup in 2019, after defeating Manchester City on penalties in the final. He played against Everton in the FA Cup this season and had a brilliant outing.
Central midfielder: Pedro Chirivella
Chirivella has been in the academy since 2013 and had the best games of his career this season in the FA Cup for the Reds.
The midfielder can control the tempo of the game and he usually operates in the No.6 midfield role and has good vision while being adept at holding the ball. It remains to be seen whether he will ever be a first-team regular, but Chirivella's stock has definitely risen this season and his attitude is terrific.
Central midfielder: Curtis Jones
A versatile and talented midfield player with an eye for a pass and ability to score goals, the scouser has been with the club since U9 level and his talent is there for everyone to see.
Famously scoring the winner in the Merseyside Derby in the FA Cup game against Everton at Anfield, Jones is tipped by many to be a regular on the bench next season and the sky is the ceiling for the talented local Liverpool lad.
Left attacking midfielder: Ben Woodburn
Out on loan to Oxford United right now, Woodburn is the youngest scorer in Liverpool history. He scored against Leeds United in the quarter-final of the League Cup at the age of 17 years, one month and 14 days.
Woodburn is a former Academy Player of the Year who has also represented (and scored) for Wales at the senior level. A versatile midfielder who can play anywhere across the frontline, there is still hope for the youngster at Anfield should he have a productive loan spell.
Right attacking midfielder: Harvey Elliott
Alongside Jones, Elliott is considered by most to be the most talented player in the Liverpool academy right now. He is a childhood Reds fan and his skills and ability are off the charts.
Operating primarily on the flanks, Elliott is a pacy and talented forward who can create plays and get into great spaces and trouble the opposition. He has already made a few senior appearances for the club, and Klopp has previously mentioned how talented the youngster is.
If all goes well, he could be the next big thing for Liverpool.
Striker: Rhian Brewster
The 20-year-old is one of the most talented players in the academy and is currently on loan to Swansea City, for whom he has scored 4 goals in 11 appearances this season.
Brewster has a good reading of the game and a great eye for goal, but his chances in the first team have been limited. It remains to be seen whether or not he will ever be a regular part of the senior squad.
Striker: Harry Wilson
The oldest member of this team at 23 years, Wilson is currently out on loan at Bournemouth where he has had his most productive season. The striker has scored 7 goals this season and has been one of the Cherries' most impressive players.
Wilson has been with the club since the U9 level and has finally started to perform at the biggest level. It is a question up for debate whether he will be here next season or sold, but it is a great sight to see the youngster succeed.
Would you make any changes or additions to this team? Let us know in the comments or you can even post your own academy XI on our blog platform.
