Liverpool can’t seem to put a foot wrong at the moment.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are looking formidable in attack and their impressive recent form has lifted them to the Premier League summit. In fact, it appears every single squad member is playing out of their skin.
However, the Reds haven’t become blindly focused on their first team, even with their dizzying success. Liverpool have been sure to keep an eye on their youth prospects too and even secure their futures.
Liverpool are on the brink of securing new deals for three of their finest academy graduates, according to the Liverpool Echo.
It has emerged that Kevin Stewart, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn are all looking to extend their spells at Anfield.
In addition, it is believed that Klopp has been a driving force behind such care and attention to the youth players. While negotiations were carried out by sporting director Michael Edwards, the German was involved nonetheless.
It is clear too that the manager is keen to maintain a clear pathway to Melwood for the club’s hottest prospects. Furthermore, these three contracts are indicative that the 49-year-old is pleased with the work going on.
However, just who are these three starlets and why have they warranted new deals and acknowledge from Klopp? Let’s have a look.
Since moving to Liverpool from Tottenham for not a single penny in 2014, Stewart has impressed in his new surroundings. In addition, the 23-year-old has been handed numerous opportunities in the Reds’ first team.
The midfielder made his debut against Exeter in an FA Cup tie and has garnered a further 15 outings since his low-key bow.
Moreover, Stewart’s new contract has arrived just nine months on from his last deal with the Reds. Such a desire to extend his stay at the club shows Liverpool’s intent to invest in him as well as how impressed they are.
There is plenty still to come from Stewart, but given his age, he must ensure he impresses and quick.
The 18-year-old proves one of Liverpool’s lesser-known rising stars, but one very familiar to staff at the club. After all, Alexander-Arnold has been plying his trade at Liverpool since the age of six, climbing the ranks.
The right-back’s rise was capped this season upon his first-team debut in the EFL Cup that saw him pitted against Tottenham no less.
Nonetheless, there is still a long way to go. While he has now become a regular at Melwood, trips to the academy are equally frequent as means of aiding his development in specific sessions.
There remains great reason to remain excited, though, Liverpool are simply proving cautious with him.
Perhaps the most promising talent of the trio proves Woodburn however. The young Welshman plays in attack and also has his time divided between first-team training and the academy.
Despite this flitting, Woodburn has caught the eye of Klopp. His performances and goals against Fleetwood and Wigan in pre-season saw him collect prominent plaudits.
Moreover, the 17-year-old has continued to shine during his time with Liverpool’s under-23 squad.
Woodburn signed his first professional contract in the game just one month ago and is set to see his stay extended. While this new deal is only for three years, it is the maximum contract length that can be offered to someone his age.
Therefore, it is clear that Liverpool aren’t short of up and coming talent. Not only are they enjoying the view from the top of the league, but the future looks just as bright too.
The Reds may have been the butt of jokes for 20-years over their lack of Premier League titles, don’t be surprised though if the tables begin to turn.