5 Most Exciting Liverpool Academy Stars

We're running Inside Liverpool's Academy Week here on Bleacher Report, with our latest feature a rundown on the top five talents inside the youth system with high hopes of making it through to the first team.

Hoping to follow a long line containing the likes of Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling, talented youngsters in Liverpool's under-21 and under-18 squads are aiming to show first-team manager Brendan Rodgers they have what it takes to step up a level.

Here are the five most exciting talents within the academy system at present, with the Kirkby-based youngsters all showing ability at their age groups over the past couple of seasons.

Pedro Chirivella

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Spanish midfielder Pedro Chirivella is first on our list. He's a technical and impressive controlling midfielder who can sit in deep or surge from back to front very quickly.

An awareness of his own position and his team-mates makes Chirivella a standout at times, with the former Valencia youngster improving tactically as he gains more experience. With a good passing range and a committal to his defensive work, he's a good shield for the back line and a feeder for those in more advanced positions.

Chirivella is 17 and has yet to make his senior bow at the club.

Sheyi Ojo

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A powerful and fast attacking player who can play on either side or through the centre, Sheyi Ojo is rated by many avid watchers of the Reds' youth sides as one of the best prospects at the club at present.

Ojo has developed nicely with his decision-making and end product of late, combining his naturally improving physical attributes with some good link play and defensive work. His ferocious dribbling ability makes him tough to stop when in full flight.

The former MK Dons youngster has travelled with the first team to recent matches, though the 17-year-old has not been named on the bench and awaits his debut—which might not be far away.

Jordan Rossiter

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Central midfielder Jordan Rossiter hit the headlines earlier in the season when he made his Liverpool debut, starting in the centre of the park for the home Capital One Cup match against Middlesbrough when he also scored.

A fine all-rounder who can pass, tackle and drive forward, Rossiter is still improving, but he looks more than capable of making the step up at some point.

The 17-year-old wears the No. 46 for the Reds and is a local-born player, having joined the club at age six.

Read our exclusive Q&A with Jordan Rossiter right here.

Harry Wilson

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Harry Wilson is a wide forward with great pace and technique. The 17-year-old is a tricky opponent for defenders to handle and who is improving all the time with his final ball or decision.

The left-footed attacker can play on either side and will run at defenders for fun, though he also works harder off the ball now than he did perhaps a couple of seasons back.

He has yet to make his Liverpool debut but won his first senior international cap just over a year ago, coming on for Wales in a World Cup qualifier at age 16.

Cameron Brannagan

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Cameron Brannagan is a versatile performer capable of playing in almost any attacking position, but he is most comfortable in the centre of midfield.

The 18-year-old has great technique and ability on the ball and is creative and tricky. He can pass well with both feet, while his control is also impressive.

He has played for the Reds in friendly matches and took his place on the bench in a league game last season, wearing the No. 32 shirt, but Brannagan has yet to make his debut in competitive action.

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