Liverpool have a new academy gem.
Liverpool’s academy has a long-standing history. Revolutionised in the early 1990s, the Reds have honed some of the finest talents to have played the game in England. From stars like Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Ballon D’or winner Michael Owen to Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher or the more recent Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The tradition of promoting youth stars has been embraced by Jurgen Klopp. The German coach is staunch advocate of player development and he works closely with the club’s youngest stars to ensure they are ready for first team action.
The German’s prowess was exemplified with the recent performances by Rhys Williams and Nathan Phillips.
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And while the club’s academy defenders have been gaining all the recognition and attention in recent weeks, one name has gone under the radar.
Jake Cain has sat on the bench for the Reds’ last three Champions League games. The experience will be indelible for the 19 year old who has been catching the eye in the club’s academy over the last few seasons.
The attacking midfielder has 4 goals in 7 games for the U23s this season and has also registered 2 assists.
An adept set-piece taker in the same mould as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jake Cain could follow suit of his fellow academy graduate.
With the Reds short of options in midfield, Jake Cain could be on the brink of adding to his solitary Liverpool appearance this season.
The 19 year old is highly regarded by Jurgen Klopp according to The Athletic and sees Jake Cain as the perfect ‘very modern number 8.’
The ever eager and technical star is closely watched by Jurgen Klopp’s fellow backroom staff according to the report and that is a promising sign.
This season, more than ever, the club’s young academy players have the perfect opportunity to stake a claim in the first team.
With the heavy fixture congestion, Jurgen Klopp’s side are bound to pick up more frequent injuries and that has already seen Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips prove their worth.
If there are further injury woes in midfield, Jake Cain could be another to make his mark.
Would you like to see more of Jake Cain on the bench for the first team?