Liverpool’s new academy season got underway on Saturday, and although the result wasn’t what the Reds wanted, there was plenty to be encouraged about — particularly when it comes to 16-year-old Josh Abe.
Liverpool U18s were beaten 2-1 by Manchester City in their opening Premier League North fixture, with captain Finn Inglethorpe scoring a late penalty for Simon Wiles’ side.
But one of the biggest talking points was the decision to hand Abe a starting place despite his age.
A 16-year-old starting against City
Abe started on the right side of Liverpool’s attack and immediately showed why there is so much excitement around his development.
The youngster was involved in one of Liverpool’s early opportunities, cutting inside from the right before seeing his effort saved by Manchester City’s goalkeeper.
City’s own match report highlighted Abe and Aiden Yeguo as the players who caused problems for their defence during Liverpool’s bright opening spell.
That’s an encouraging sign.
You’re talking about a player who is still only 16 years old competing against one of the strongest academies in the country.
He’s already familiar with playing above his age
Abe isn’t completely new to playing against older players.
He has already been making an impression for Liverpool’s academy and previously scored twice for the U18s against Derby after having trained with the first team.
That experience is clearly helping his development.
And now comes another potentially significant step.
Abe could move up to the U21s
Abe is expected to step up to Liverpool’s U21s when their season gets underway.
That would be a remarkable progression for a player who is only 16.
Rather than simply dominating at his own age group, Liverpool appear keen to challenge him by putting him against older, stronger and more experienced players.
That’s often where the biggest development can happen.
The result doesn’t tell the whole story
Liverpool ultimately lost 2-1.
Teddie Lamb gave City the lead in the first half before Archie Thornton doubled their advantage shortly after the interval.
Inglethorpe pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, but Liverpool couldn’t find an equaliser.
But there were positives.
Liverpool created chances early on, Inglethorpe hit the crossbar and goalkeeper Matthew Wright made several important saves to keep the Reds in the game.
And for Abe, getting another opportunity to test himself against Manchester City’s academy is arguably more important than the result at this stage of his development.
Another academy player to keep an eye on
Liverpool supporters have become accustomed to seeing young players emerge from Kirkby.
We’ve seen the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and others make the journey from academy football to the first team.
Obviously, it’s far too early to make comparisons like that with Abe.
He’s only 16.
But the fact Liverpool are already comfortable giving him opportunities against older players tells you that the club clearly sees something in him.
And if he continues progressing at his current rate, his move into the U21s could be fascinating to watch.
Keep an eye on Josh Abe
The Liverpool first team might be the main focus for supporters right now, with Iraola preparing for the Premier League campaign.
But there are some seriously exciting youngsters coming through behind them.
Josh Abe is one of them.
Starting against Manchester City at just 16 is impressive enough.
If he can now establish himself against U21 opposition, his development could accelerate even further.
Liverpool may have lost their opening academy game.
But they might just have given supporters another youngster to get excited about.
Remember the name: Josh Abe.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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