An amazing XI of Liverpool academy graduates handed their debuts by Jurgen Klopp
The Liverpool academy have produced plenty of gems over the years and Jurgen Klopp certainly hasn’t shied away from giving youngsters a chance during his tenure in charge.
Klopp was immensely proud of the youngsters who took centre stage against Chelsea in the League Cup final after they helped the Reds get over the line at Wembley.
We’ve gone back throughout Klopp’s time in charge of Liverpool and have assembled an amazing XI of academy graduates who were handed their first chance under the German coach.
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher
Whenever the 25-year-old is given a chance, he seems to deliver. Being a back-up goalkeeper can sometimes be tough given the prolonged spells on the sidelines, but Kelleher always manages to look sharp when given a chance.
Since being handed his debut in 2019, the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper has made 37 appearances for the club, with the majority of those games being in the cup. Liverpool are lucky to have him and Klopp knows it.
“I’m super happy with Kelleher, he’s been super,” Klopp told reporters after the League Cup triumph.
“We have the best goalkeeper in the world, and we have the best number two in the world.”
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Undoubtedly, the best academy graduate who has come through under Klopp. Alexander-Arnold is the perfect modern-day full-back and few players in Europe can hold a candle to his outrageously good creative numbers.
By the time he calls it quits on his football career, there’s a good chance he’ll be regarded as the best Premier League right-back of all time. You can’t get much better than that.
CB: Nat Phillips
Phillips was 23 years old by the time he was handed his first start at Liverpool. The towering centre-half especially played a key role in the 2020-21 campaign as the Reds were hit by a crippling injury list at the back.
He’s still on the books at Liverpool today, although he has spent the season out on loan. After a short spell on loan with Celtic, he joined Championship outfit Cardiff City in January until the end of the season.
CB: Jarell Quansah
One of Liverpool’s latest prodigies. The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for Quansah as he’s gone from a loan spell with Bristol Rovers to the Liverpool starting XI.
With Joel Matip currently out of the picture, Quansah has taken his opportunity to shine. The 21-year-old has featured in 21 matches this season and has garnered plenty of praise for his performances.
“It’s special how calm he is on the ball,” Klopp told reporters while discussing the young defender. Given his age and lofty potential, this is only the beginning for Quansah at Anfield.
LB: Conor Bradley
Alright, we know that Bradley isn’t naturally a left-back by trade, but we reckon he could do a solid enough job in the role.
On the back of a superb loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last season, Bradley has taken his chance to step up this year. With five goal contributions in his last seven matches, the future looks very bright indeed.
These stats speak for themselves.
READ: 7 incredible stats behind Conor Bradley’s remarkable Liverpool breakthrough
CM: Pedro Chirivella
The holding midfielder spent three years in the Liverpool academy and made his full debut under Klopp after being afforded a few minutes under previous boss Brendan Rodgers.
Chirivella didn’t manage to make the grade at Anfield in the end, but he has since crafted a successful career elsewhere. The 26-year-old now captains Ligue 1 outfit Nantes where he has racked up over 100 top-flight appearances. That’s some going.
CM: Stefan Bajcetic
Following an eye-catching breakthrough campaign last season, Liverpool fans haven’t had much of an opportunity to see Bajcetic in action this time around due to injury.
The teenager has suffered a number of setbacks over these past few months and the club will be keen to not rush him back too soon. Fingers crossed he is able to return stronger than ever.
CM: Curtis Jones
Seeing a local lad thriving in the first team will always bring a smile to our faces. Jones has come on leaps and bounds since being handed his first chance by Klopp in 2018.
The 23-year-old has already racked up more than 100 appearances for the club and has got his hands on five trophies since making his debut.
“Curtis is in a great moment for us, super important in different departments,” Klopp told ITV Sport in January. “He’s a very good player but he is a role model for all our academy guys.
“If Curtis Jones can learn defending, everybody can learn defending!”
QUIZ: Can you name Jurgen Klopp’s 30 most-used players at Liverpool?
RW: Sergi Canos
The Spanish winger was handed his solitary Liverpool senior appearance on the final day of the 2015-16 season against West Brom.
While the Spanish winger didn’t make the grade under Klopp, he has done well for himself since leaving. Most known for his six-year stint with Brentford, Canos made 249 appearances for the Bees and played a key role in their promotion.
These days the former Liverpool academy graduate is back in his native country playing for Valencia. We wouldn’t be surprised if he makes a return to the Premier League one day.
ST: Rhian Brewster
Brewster was a highly tipped prospect around 2020 and Liverpool managed to bank £23.5million for his signature when Sheffield United came calling.
Since leaving Liverpool, it’s fair to say that Brewster hasn’t had the best of times as he’s struggled to justify his lofty price tag at Bramall Lane. With just five goals in 75 appearances for the Blades, Liverpool made the correct decision to cash in when they did.
LW: Ryan Kent
The rapid winger was handed his first chance by Klopp during an FA Cup tie with Exeter in 2016. That proved to be his only senior appearance for the club, but he has done well for himself since leaving.
Most known for his time with Rangers, Kent established himself as a key player at Ibrox during his five-year stay with the club. Racking up over 200 appearances and winning two trophies, the 27-year-old delivered plenty of memorable moments in Scotland.
These days you can catch him playing for Fenerbahce, although another move this summer could be on the cards as he’s struggled to establish himself in Turkey. Watch this space.
READ NEXT: 11 stats from Liverpool’s remarkable League Cup final victory vs. Chelsea
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name every Liverpool player to have scored in the PL for Jurgen Klopp?