An ex-Manchester City youngster has been named Liverpool’s hottest prospect.
Every year the Guardian publishes their Next Generation series, which looks at the best talent from each Premier League club’s Academy.
They only look at first year scholars, so they are making long-term predictions here, but have nevertheless got some right.
Most notiby, the Guardian picked out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones as ones to watch, while they also singled out Jadon Sancho, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka and Mason Greenwood.
When it comes to youth prospects, they clearly know their onions.
Which is why it makes sense to keep an eye on who the writers single out. This year, they have chosen Liverpool starlet James Balagizi.
Balagizi was signed from Man City when he was 11-years-old and has flourished on Merseyside. He made his England U18 debut at 15 and has already played for the U21 side.
He can play in midfield, behind a striker or as a centre-forward and was signed to a professional deal as soon as he turned 17.
"The Guardian described him as: “A tall, powerful and clever player with quick feet and an eye for goal.”"
Losing talent to another rival must be a bitter pill to swallow and City let this footballer slip through their grasp because of concerns over a pathway to the first team.
"Balagizi told the Deluded Gooner: “I thought that the pathway at City was completely blocked compared to other places because they have so much talent in one group, and it is not concentrated on individuals.”"
This is a line we hear a lot and it’s what convinced lads like Dominic Solanke and Rhian Brewster to head north-west at the expense of other outfits.
As long as Jurgen Klopp is manager of the team, youngsters will always feel that they can catch his eye and break into the first team. It’s exactly what Rhys Williams did this season, and Neco Williams the campaign previously.
With Alexander-Arnold and Jones in the team, Liverpool have a healthy smattering of Scouse lads and it looks like Klopp is always willing to add to those numbers.
At 17, James Balagizi has a long way to go. But the fact he’s been picked out for praise indicates he’s on the right track.