Liverpool Youth Shines in 4-0 Win in FA Youth Cup: Suso and Sterling Dazzle

The Liverpool under-18's, coached by Rodolfo Borrell, played in the third round of the FA Youth Cup against Nott’s County on Wednesday, ending the night as 4-0 winners.  The amount of quality youth prospects currently at Liverpool was on full display as the youth side gave a commanding effort. 

The starting 11 featured Suso, a promising young Spanish playmaker who usually plays for the reserves and played in preseason games; Raheem Sterling, a 15 year old speedster who also played this preseason; and Michael Ngoo, who also features regularly for the reserve team and proved too physical for the Nott’s county defense.

The Liverpool side opened the scoring early in the first half, when Raheem Sterling ran at defenders on the left before sliding the ball to Adorjan, who slipped it past the oncoming keeper with ease.  Liverpool had their bright start and now looked to add to their lead, but, despite several chances, weren’t able to put the ball in the net. Suso, who seemed to be roaming all over the pitch, cut in from the right and onto his favored left foot to strike from 25 yards out only to be thwarted by the Nott’s County keeper’s outstretched hand.  Then, midway through the first half, Nott’s County began to come into the game. 

A few cheap free kicks gave Nott's County the chance to bombard the Liverpool box with crosses. Right at the end of the half, Nott’s County thought they had a goal from one set play, but the goal scorer was ruled to have fouled the keeper, though replays suggested otherwise.  As the Liverpool team left the pitch, Nott’s County players were still arguing with the referee.

Liverpool started brightly in the second half and Sterling almost turned provider again when he set Michael Ngoo through on goal.  The big striker rounded the keeper wonderfully but then missed his finish, as the ball went behind the post.  Ngoo made up for this minutes later, when he cut in from the left byline onto his favored right foot and sent a lovely slotted ball into the far corner. 

Suso had been strong throughout the match and Sterling almost got a goal when sent through by the Spaniard, but the speedy youngster was ruled to be offside. Suso was also not afraid to shoot, letting loose on numerous occasions.  When Sterling was given space to run at defenders, he caused havoc and midway through the second half, he cut in from the left onto his right foot and curled a 25-yard wonder goal into the top corner.  Just minutes later he turned provider, when he found space down the left and sent a teasing cross for the onrushing Michael Ngoo to get his second. 

Liverpool had settled the tie, but were looking to score for fun as chances still kept coming.  Suso desperately wanted his goal and was denied by two goal line clearances.  Liverpool proved too much for Nott’s County and will now face Crystal Palace at Anfield in the fourth round.

The young talent at Liverpool currently seems to be rich.  Although the current struggles of the Liverpool first squad are apparent, fans can rest assured that the future looks bright.  Recent investment in youth is starting to show with players like Sterling and Suso playing well above their age level.  These two seemed to be a cut above the rest and at 16 and 17, respectively, have a very bright future ahead of them. 

The squad also contained homegrown talent like Conor Coady, who was nominated for BBC young sports personality of the year for his role as captain of the U-17 England team.  Jack Robinson, the youngest player to play in the premier league for Liverpool, was also on the team.  Rodolfo Borrell seems to be translating some of the success he found in the Barcelona youth system to the Liverpool system.  You can see that his team tries to pass the ball well and play the game correctly. Both are encouraging signs for the future.