LFC Academy: Liverpool U18's and U21's in striking distance of Top 4's

As we are all aware of the struggles of the Liverpool first team over the last week, there is at least some good news to report from the Liverpool Academy teams as they get closer and closer to wrapping up their respective seasons.

Let's get you caught up on the all the latest happenings and stats from the Liverpool U18's and U21's as some familiar names continue to shine brightly.

Danns dazzles as Liverpool U21's blank Manchester United U21's

We all know of Jayden Danns' exploits for the Senior Team earlier this season, so it is good to see he has not slowed down in his step back down a level.

On Friday, he scored an outrageous backheel goal in the dominating victory over their bitter rivals as he was once again one of the best players on the pitch. The calmness and confidence needed to score this goal is something that not every young player has.

The 17-year old Trent Kone-Doherty was also on the scoresheet as he continues his rise through the LFC ranks as well.

As of this writing, Liverpool U21's are tied for fourth with Chelsea U21's but trail them on goal difference. However, the Reds do have a game in hand on the Blues.

Danns has only featured for the U21 side 5 times and has still contributed 5 goals and assists. Lewis Koumas leads the way with 7 goals from his 10 appearances at this level.

Overall, Liverpool U21's have scored 31 goals from their 18 Premier League 2 games this season. A decent return with so many names in and out of the lineup.

Liverpool U18's suffer gut-punch defeat in 7 goal thriller

The LFC U18's jumped out to an early lead on Newcastle U18's before chaos commenced and the Magpies scored two unanswered before Kone-Doherty, doing double duty, leveled for Liverpool.

The Irish teenager has 11 goals in his 13 appearances at U18 level in addition to his exploits with the U21 side. He really could be one for the future to keep an eye on at Anfield.

In the end, a 71st minute red card to Newcastle's Logan Watts would not be enough to help Liverpool as the Magpies scored a 92nd minute winner at 4-3. The result sees Liverpool stay level on points with Wolves in 4th having played a game more in the U-18 Premier League.

Kieran Morrison is another name to keep an eye on for the future. The 17-year old English midfielder/winger has shown a real positional versatility to his game not unlike one, Harvey Elliott.

He has featured 21 times for the Liverpool U18 side and next season should really see him kick on and challenge for a spot in the higher levels of the Academy.

Other LFC Academy names to watch:

Lucas Pitt (U18 - CB), Terrence McLaughlin-Miles (U21- LB), Kaide Gordon (U21 - AM), Karim Ahmed (U-18 - CF)