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Liverpool are a club who pride themselves on their ability to bring through the next generation of young talent, and recent quotes from U18 boss Barry Lewtas hints that another success story is looming.
What’s the word?
The Reds are set to face Bury U18’s in the FA Youth Cup quarter final this evening and Lewtas is facing a selection dilemma with his centre-forwards in such relentless form.
Bobby Duncan and Paul Glatzel have scored 24 goals apiece so far this season, but the fact Fidel O’Rourke stepped into the side in place of Glatzel last time out and impressed with the captain’s armband speaks volumes about the depth of talent Liverpool have coming through.
Ahead of the game this evening, Lewtas delivered his verdict on squad selection and Fidel’s impact against Blackburn, per Liverpool Echo.
“With the schedule we’ve got, we can’t just flog the same lads over this period. We have to take boys out at certain times and use the fact that we’ve got a very good squad.
“It’s an exciting time. They’ve put themselves in a position where there’s something riding on every game.
“Fidel came in against Blackburn and did ever so well. His first goal was fantastic and the second was a real striker’s goal with the tap in.”
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Another success story to add to the collection?
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are a few high-profile examples of players who have made a seamless transition from the youth ranks and into the first-team in recent years.
Liverpool Echo journalist James Pearce recently hinted that he expects Adam Lewis to make the breakthrough in place of Alberto Moreno, but the competition for places at centre-forward in the U18 squad could catalyse the development of one of the aforementioned goal-hungry attackers.
Duncan and Glatzel’s stunning records in front of goal this season naturally point towards a future role in the first-team and, with O’Rourke breathing down their necks for a starting berth, promotion into the U23 squad and beyond could be just around the corner for the most outstanding teenager.
Lewtas’ selection dilemma and admission that this is an “exciting time” prove that it may not be too long before another teenage prodigy establishes himself in the senior squad.