All posts by h716a5.icu

Everton haven't done too badly in regard to youth prospects in the last few years. Bringing in youngsters, as well as developing homegrown talents has always been a quiet aspect of the blue part of Merseyside.

Take the long-serving Seamus Coleman as an example, he was signed from Sligo Rovers back in 2009 for just £60,000 and steadily became a Premier League stalwart as well as arguably his country's best right back for a number of years.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin too, developed levels to his game after joining Everton in 2016. More recently, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Ellis Simms have shown that the quality keeps coming in and around Everton's youth department.

With any good youth-orientated club, there's always a metaphorical conveyor belt in action behind the scenes. Thinking far ahead, scouts have to be ready to fill gaps and get players primed to potentially move in for a big player's departure or retirement.

Abdoulaye Doucoure is one such player whose void is going to be hard to miss when he eventually leaves Everton.

Who could replace Doucoure?

Doucoure, 30, joined Everton from Watford in September 2020 for £20m and since then has been a real fan favourite.

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Known for his dexterity across the park and brilliant box-to-box play – Doucoure's sheer determination has rubbed off on Toffees fans even in the toughest of times. Carlo Ancelotti even tipped the now-Mali international for a French cap back when he first arrived at Goodison Park.

Doucoure's performances, as well as a penchant for the odd spectacular goal, has drawn attention from different clubs – especially when he fell out of favour in Frank Lampard's tenure.

Although now, this summer's extension sees the Mali man contracted to Everton until 2024 – back in January there were interested parties in both Turkey and the Middle East.

After Doucoure's 2024 contract expiry, Everton may not look into the transfer market for a midfield replacement. Sean Dyche could have an exciting talent in Tyler Onyango already waiting on that 'conveyor belt' that was mentioned before.

Who is Tyler Onyango?

20-year-old Onyango has been at Everton since signing as a youth in 2011. Moving through the ranks, the midfielder has developed an imposing 6 foot 2 frame and seems similarly posed as the 6-foot Doucoure.

Although first-team options have been relatively drip-fed, Onyango has impressed higher-ups at the club and seen fringe action as well as multiple loan moves to gain experience.

As seen here, some even likened the youngster to Doucoure straight away, feeling he was the natural successor for the position. It's a somewhat sweeping statement, but just how good has Onyango been – and how could he be from what's been seen on loan at multiple League One clubs?

What's next for Tyler Onyango?

Well, it's quite hard to say – as the first loan spell to Burton Albion came to an end after just 16 games when the midfielder was recalled by his parent club and his second loan move at Forest Green Rovers was halted with a hamstring injury.

However, slithers of information from limited showings can reflect some intriguing insights when paired along with Everton's assessment of a youngster known for boasting "impressive stamina" among other key traits.

From FBref, it can be seen that in his 16 appearances for Burton, a side who ended the 2022/23 campaign 15th in League One, there were brief positives.

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While only playing '10.5 90 minutes', Onyango won 14 tackles and made five interceptions. To reiterate, yes these are clearly really extensive stats. Sarcasm aside, it could reflect more on his inconsistency with injury at the time.

However, with consistent key involvement in multiple age groups, as well as five appearances for England U17 back in 2019 – a steady potential boils under the surface.

Everton still clearly values him, even though they await any resemblance to Doucoure-like contributions. Moreover, with his father's native land being Kenya, we could see Onyango come within an international contest when he ultimately makes good on some very formative development.

Liverpool have started the new Premier League season with renewed purpose and appear to have enjoyed an impressive transfer window that has eradicated the issues that punctured the club's pursuit of success.

Jurgen Klopp has been an absolutely brilliant manager and the architect of newfound feats at Anfield, having restored Liverpool's position at the forefront of domestic football, secured the league title for the first time in 30 years and reached three Champions League finals, winning one.

For all of the immense quality added to the club during this period, no signing has had greater importance to the trajectory than that of the manager, who has had to make some ruthless decisions along the way.

Loris Karius lost his place as the first-choice goalkeeper to Alisson Becker in 2018, who joined for £67m, and while Kevin Stewart's sale was more low-key, he too is emblematic of the decisions necessary to create this remarkable winning culture.

When did Liverpool sign Kevin Stewart?

Liverpool swooped for Stewart in 2014 when the player was aged 20, having not been offered a professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur.

The youngster was viewed as a crisp and combative centre-midfielder and quickly asserted himself as one of the club's most promising talents before Klopp's arrival changed everything.

Impressive with his equanimity, very much the composed head needed to keep the play ticking, Klopp was certainly a fan and offered Stewart his Premier League debut in 2015/16, starting him for six of the Reds' final eight games of the term – praised as the "perfect role model" for younger peers by reporter James Pearce.

He would make four substitute showings during the opening phase of the following season – his last with Liverpool – but this has been the extent of his top-flight career.

He lost his place, and while he continued to feature sporadically across cup competitions that season, his fate was sealed and he was shipped on to Hull City the following summer.

Why did Liverpool sell Kevin Stewart?

In July 2017, Liverpool signed left-back Andy Robertson from Hull for an initial £8m, with Kevin Stewart heading in the opposite direction for a similar fee.

Stewart had been held in high regard by Klopp but it was becoming increasingly clear that injuries and Liverpool's fast-rising ascendancy to prominence would mean that the one-time Spurs youngster was not going to earn regular match action at Anfield.

To think that Liverpool effectively recuperated the entirety of the fee paid to sign Robertson through the sale of Stewart, who was never really likely to cement a starting berth in a team targetting new levels of success, was incredible business.

Robertson has gone on to revel in a truly astounding career, important in winning the entire sweep of silverware under Klopp's tutelage and now praised as the “complete player” by former Liverpool player Fabio Aurelio.

The Scotland captain is also considered the fourth most valuable full-back in the world according to Football Transfers' valuation model and holds the Premier League record for most assists created by a defender, with 57.

It's safe to say that the 29-year-old has enjoyed a more successful Merseyside career than Stewart would have likely forged for himself, had he remained on the club's books.

In fact, the former Red – who was once compared to Xabi Alonso for his quality of passing – is now moored in the piteous position of unemployment, having actually spent over a year on the sidelines after enduring a detrimental spate of injuries that resulted in his contractual culmination with Blackpool.

What happened to Kevin Stewart?

Stewart has not been very lucky over the past few years; having joined Blackpool on an initial 18-month contract in January 2021, the midfielder completed 28 appearances before penning a new two-year contract in June 2021, though the 5-0 defeat against Peterborough one month earlier has proved to be his last professional display to date.

Seasiders writer Sean Mcginley conveyed news just months into the 2022/23 season that the former Liverpool ace had sustained an injury that would rule him out indefinitely, having not featured under Michael Appleton that term before his setback.

And given he would not feature again and is not unemployed, Stewart faces a fight to return to senior action as he currently bobs in uncharted waters.

He did manage to impress in instances for Hull, with former City player Peter Swan writing that his 'tenacity and doggedness in the middle was crucial' and that he deserves the 'plaudits he's getting now', but Stewart was unable to sustain his performances with the kind of regularity that is requisite for success.

Indeed, the 30-year-old completed 78 matches for Hull and posted two goals and assists apiece, but was released in 2020 and subsequently picked up by Blackpool.

Season

Apps

23/24

0

22/23

0

21/22

12

20/21

16

19/20

27

18/19

27

17/18

17

16/17

4

15/16

7

Stats via Transfermarkt.

The fact that Stewart has only completed in excess of 20 league matches across the duration of his senior career epitomises his struggles, with the incessant inability to muster a rich vein of form and sustain it utterly stifling any tincture of quality from blooming into something worth singing about.

And it's unfortunate too for a player who had such effusive praise while rising to the fore on Merseyside, but such is the ruthless nature of professional football.

Stewart has fallen foul to the sable side of the beautiful game, and while he can hold his head high after impressing during his maiden years and indeed playing a part for the Tigers during his stay, there is a rueful element to a career that could have been so much more.

As it is, Liverpool must be pleased with the business savvy displayed in shipping him on for a pretty exorbitant fee all things considered.

With Robertson arriving for a similar figure from the opposite direction, Liverpool can only be satisfied with the way things panned out, even if Stewart's decline is one of great poignancy.

Manchester United have encountered issue after issue so far this season, with the likes of Jadon Sancho falling out with Erik ten Hag in what is an ongoing saga, whilst the Red Devils continue to struggle on the pitch, suffering a 3-2 loss in their most recent outing against Galatasaray. The club have a number of players out injured, too, and those at Old Trafford will be desperately waiting for the full squad to return.

Any boost is a plus in the current circumstances, and, those in Manchester have finally been handed some good news to cling onto, with one particular player edging closer and closer to a return from an injury suffered in pre-season.

What's the latest Man Utd injury news?

When it comes to injuries, United have suffered the same luck that they've faced when attempting to get results on the pitch this season. At various stages of the campaign, Ten Hag has already been without Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Lisandro Martinez, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

The Red Devils have, however, received a recent injury boost, with youngster Kobbie Mainoo back in training, and edging closer to a return to action. And whilst United's next Premier League clash against Brentford could come too early for the youngster, he isn't far off from making a comeback, according to the club's official website.

We've seen in the past just how much of an impact young players can have at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford a prime example of that. Now, it could soon be Mainoo's turn to light a spark that has been slowly fading at the theatre of dreams this season. It will be interesting to see if Ten Hag turns to the midfielder, given the current form of his side, and, therefore, the ease with which several names could play themselves into the Dutchman's plans.

Who is Kobbie Mainoo?

Just 18 years of age, Mainoo has the world at his feet at Manchester United, and could soon get his chance to show just how good he is. With Casemiro suspended in the Champions League after his red card against Galatasaray, Mainoo may yet even be handed a chance to stake his claim on the biggest stage to showcase his talents. The pressure would be on, but if he impressed on his chance, then Ten Hag may just have himself another option in the middle of the park.

The teenager has already earned plenty of praise during his time at United, including from club legend Bryan Robson, who told The Telegraph:

"He’s calculated and he’s reading the game, doing things in his own time. He closes down really well, receives the ball and changes the pattern of the game, quickens it up when he wants to and he’s using his football brain. I’m quite impressed with him."

Everything seems to be pointing to the fact that United have a gem on their hands, and who knows, a player who could yet play a surprise part in turning their campaign around after such a disappointing start this season.

Sam Robson. Remember him on the list of former England openers? He has just made his first century of the season

ECB Reporters Network18-Sep-20181:55

Yorkshire edge towards safety

ScorecardSam Robson’s first century of the season saw Middlesex get the better of the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match with Derbyshire at Lord’s.The former England opener ended a run drought with 134 – becoming Middlesex’s first century maker since May 6.Max Holden (96 not out) was also closing in on a first century in Middlesex colours as the hosts finished an enthralling day at 350 for 8, only the second time this season they have realised a fourth batting point.But late in the day veteran seamer Tony Palladino (4-66) bowled the visitors back into contention with a spell of 4- for 3 in 15 balls.Given Middlesex’s struggles with the bat this season it was no surprise to see them stuck in under cloudy skies for the sixth time in seven red-ball games at HQ this season.Understandably then it was a nervy start – 20 balls and the odd play and miss passed before the first run clicked up on the board.Robson broke the shackles with two fours in an over off Palladino – the second boundary appearing to lift a season-load of weight from his shoulders as thereafter he settled down to play with increasing assurance.At the other end, left-hander Nick Gubbins found life more of a struggle, a spate of cameos having left him short of confidence.Nevertheless, the pair compiled only their third half-century opening stand of the season, reaching 64 before Hardus Viljoen made the breakthrough trapping Gubbins lbw.Sam Robson eases one through the covers•Getty ImagesIt would be the visitors’ only wicket of the morning session as Robson moved smoothly to 50 off 83 balls with nine boundaries, ably supported by Stevie Eskinazi who had the honour of receiving his county cap at the start of the lunch interval.There would be no 50 to accompany the honour, the South African-born wicketkeeper/batsman falling for 35, lbw to spinner Matthew Critchley.Skipper Dawid Malan was next to go, a skittish innings of 16 ending when he aimed an ill-advised hook at Viljoen, the ball arrowing its way to the safe hands of Luis Reece at long-leg.His dismissal more often than not this season would have heralded a collapse, but youngster Holden came in and looked composed from his first ball and as a result he and Robson regained the initiative.Robson’s hundred arrived courtesy of a single to mid-on in the last over before tea, the applause from the Middlesex faithful seeing him raise his bat in delight and relief in equal measure.The pair played with increasing authority at the start of the final session, raising the 250 – a figure reached only once previously in the first innings by the Lord’s tenants this season.The century stand came at almost a run a minute and Holden’s 50 arrived shortly afterwards complete with six boundaries.The dizzy heights of 300 were in sight when Palladino new ball in hand changed the complexion of the day. A devastating spell began when he found the edge of Robson’s bat ending an otherwise chanceless innings and a stand of 132. Tail-up Palladino struck again with his next ball, new man Robbie White get a thinner edge to Gary Wilson at first slip.James Harris survived the hat-trick ball only to depart in Palladino’s next over, trapped on the back foot.The hosts had subsided from 298-3 to 304-6 but Palladino wasn’t finished yet, getting another lbw shout upheld to remove Martin Andersson.With the ball now doing plenty Holden was given a life when Wilson shelled a chance at first slip off Lockie Ferguson.That scare survived, Middlesex briefly steadied the ship until James Fuller, having just hit Ferguson for six top-edged the next ball down to Critchley at third man.Ethan Bamber though helped raise the 350 and kept alive hopes of a Holden century in the morning.

Manchester United have always produced fantastic players from their esteemed academy, and Kobbie Mainoo is the latest gem to come to the fore.

The 18-year-old made his full debut for the club against Everton on the weekend and was awarded Man of the Match by broadcasters Sky Sports.

United have plenty of promising youngsters coming through the Carrington ranks, but who is most likely to follow in the footsteps of Mainoo as we head into 2024?

Football FanCast has taken a look at the 10 most promising Manchester United prospects who could be lighting up the Premier League in the years to come.

10 Isak Hansen-Aarøen

Norwegian, 19 years old

Isak Hansen-Aarøen was already playing senior football with Tromso in Norway before completing the switch to Old Trafford in September 2020.

The under-21 Norway international has been making noise for United's reserve side from central midfield and is tipped to reach lofty heights.

Erik ten Hag has called up the youngster for first-team training on occasion, which perhaps shows he's not too far away from making his debut.

Jonas Johansen, a sport performance coach for Hansen-Aarøen, believes the Norwegian could be sent on loan to further enhance his development.

“I think 1 or 2 loans is what they're thinking. Then it's up to Isak and his family to consider if that's the smartest thing,” Johansen said.

9 Charlie McNeill

English, 20 years old

United outlaid a reported £675k (potentially rising to £1.4m) on Charlie McNeill in October 2020, having ripped it up for Manchester City's youth teams.

The young centre-forward continued his prolific goalscoring record with United's Under-18s, netting 34 times in 35 outings before moving up to the U21s.

A record of 10 goals in 37 outings ensued with the reserve squad between six months on loan at League Two outfit Newport County last season.

McNeill appeared 20 times for the Exiles, scoring two goals, and is now on loan at League One side Stevenage.

The former City youth forward netted on his debut during a 3-0 away victory against Leyton Orient in September but has only appeared twice since.

According to the Mirror, United plan to recall the promising youngster in January and will then decide his next step thereafter.

8 Mateo Mejía

Colombian, 20 years old

Mateo Mejía joined the esteemed United academy from Real Zaragoza in 2019 as a 16-year-old for a reported fee worth €150,000 (£130k).

The Colombia youth international has enjoyed a bright start to the Premier League 2 this term, netting three times whilst laying on four assists across eight outings, and mightn't be too far away from a first-team debut given the exclusion of fellow winger Jadon Sancho and the out-of-form Antony.

Mejía, who typically operates on the right wing, was pictured in first-team training recently ahead of United's Champions League group game away at Galatasaray.

The 6 foot 1 wide player penned a new deal with the club in June.

7 Louis Jackson

Scottish, 18 years old

Louis Jackson was spotted training with the first team ahead of their League Cup clash against Crystal Palace in September, which brought his name to the attention of many hawk-eyed United fans.

The centre-back is highly rated by the club's officials, who handed the teenager his first professional contract in October 2022.

Jackson was just 16 years old when he helped the academy win the FA Youth Cup in 2022 and he has continued to blossom with the reserve side thereafter.

The Scotland youth international also holds the record for the youngest player to ever feature for United's Under-21s.

6 Willy Kambwala

French, 19 years old

Willy Kambwala, a towering and imposing centre-back, joined the Old Trafford club from French second-division outfit Sochaux for a reported fee worth £3.5m in 2020.

The 6 foot 4 defender has trained with the seniors in the past and could be on the cusp of a debut given Lisandro Martínez's injury and Raphaël Varane's potential winter exit.

Latest Man Utd transfer news: De Jong back on radar; 21y/o hands in request

Here are all the latest Man Utd transfer rumours from Old Trafford as we enter the final weeks of the window.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 12, 2024

Kambwala, who has operated at both centre-half and right-back this term, captained the Under-17 France team as a 16-year-old, which evinces his ability to become a potential future leader for United.

5 Álvaro Fernández

Spanish, 20 years old

Álvaro Fernández was named on the substitutes' bench for United's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest earlier this season but is still awaiting his senior debut.

The Spanish left-back is currently on loan at LaLiga outfit Granada CF, having enjoyed a successful season at Preston North End last term, laying on six assists.

Should his spell in Spain be successful, he may well become a part of Ten Hag's plans, but he'll have fierce competition in the form of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Fernández acclaimed United's Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award in 2022 and picked up Preston's Young Player of the Season Award in 2023.

4 Shola Shoretire

English, 19 years old

Shola Shoretire has already made five senior appearances for United, with his first coming back in February 2021 as a 17-year-old. He became the second-youngest Red to play in the Premier League, with only Angel Gomes appearing at a younger age (16).

The Newcastle-born midfielder endured a difficult six-month loan stint at Bolton Wanderers last term, but manager Ian Evatt believes he'll have a 'really good future'.

Shoretire has put up fabulous numbers for United's U21s this season, scoring six goals whilst providing three assists across 10 outings, and may well be sent on loan in January to further his development.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

7

4

3

EFL Trophy

3

2

0

3 Omari Forson

English, 19 years old

Omari Forson, an England youth international, is highly regarded by United staff and 'there's a feeling he'll be the next academy product to be handed his senior debut', as per the Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston.

Railston further claims that Forson is set to pen a new deal and extend his stay at Old Trafford, evincing the club's high hopes for his future.

The left-footed wide player has netted seven times in eight outings for the academy this season and was named on the subs bench for the senior team against FC Copenhagen in November.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League 2

4

3

1

UEFA Youth League

2

2

1

EFL Trophy

2

2

0

2 Daniel Gore

English, 19 years old

Daniel Gore has one senior appearance for the Red Devils to his name, coming on as a second-half substitute against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup earlier this season, though is still awaiting his full debut.

And many expect the classy midfielder to be the next academy star in line to become a fully-fledged United player, having impressed in pre-season and with the Under-21s.

Gore, who made his England Under-20 debut in October, has captained United in the UEFA Youth League this term, which evinces how well-regarded he is amongst the Old Trafford staff.

X account Olive Footy – a talent identification page – believes the midfielder has an 'innate ability to read the game' and 'execute accurate passes that unlock defences'.

Gore penned a new deal in the summer and appears well-positioned to become a fixture of United's midfield. Though, like all youngsters, he must be nurtured.

1 Joe Hugill

English, 20 years old

Joe Hugill, a former Sunderland youth player, has a fine goal record for United's academy teams and has netted six goals in eight outings in the Premier League 2 this season.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward hasn't yet made senior debut but was a part of their matchday squad against Everton on the weekend as a substitute, evincing he is on the cusp of an appearance.

X page The Red Devil's DNA said on Hugill's skillset: "Really happy to see Joe Hugill on the bench. That's his first time in the squad. I like his profile. Classic poacher 9 who offers the verticality & movement that [Anthony] Martial lacks.

"Showed his pros in pre-season too. He can give us directness as a super sub if needed today."

As we head into the busy festive period with games coming thick and fast, perhaps Hugill will receive his opportunity, should he continue to bang in the goals for the under-21s.

Age group

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Under-21s

56

30

3

UEFA under-19s

3

1

0

Under-18s

24

18

4

Left-arm wristspinner Zahir Khan slots in alongside Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza and Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the 15-man squad

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-20181:44

‘Mujeeb takes pressure off me’ – Rashid Khan

Afghanistan have picked four spinners – fingerspinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Amir Hamza and wristspinners Rashid Khan and Zahir Khan – in their 16-man squad for their inaugural Test, against India in Bengaluru from June 14.While Mujeeb and Rashid are coming off successful IPL stints with Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively, left-arm wristspinner Zahir is returning from a finger injury that ruled him out from an IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals. The 19-year old was part of the Afghanistan squad that reached the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup in January-February this year.Left-arm offspinner Hamza, meanwhile, was the leading wicket-taker in the domestic first-class competition.Though Zahir has not played ODIs or T20Is yet for Afghanistan, he was the team’s leading wicket-taker during their title campaign in the 2015-17 Intercontinental Cup, the ICC’s first-class competition for Associates, taking 31 wickets in six matches. Fast bowler Wafadar was the only uncapped member of the Test squad. Afghanistan will miss the services of experienced fast bowler Dawlat Zadran because of a knee injury.The second-most capped player Asghar Stanikzai will lead both the Test and the T20I squad that will play Bangladesh in three games in Dehradun from June 3. They will have experience in allrounder Mohammad Nabi, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah and Hashmathullah Shahidi for the Tests.Peter Della PennaMeanwhile, Afghanistan opted for a more youthful squad for the three T20Is against Bangladesh in Dehradun, with only five of the Test players retained for the series.Under-19 batsman Darwish Rasooli earned a maiden national call-up on the back of strong performances at the World Cup, while Najib Tarakai was recalled after 15 months following strong domestic performances.Afghanistan’s preliminary squad has just concluded a set of practice matches in Greater Noida, following which the final squad was named by chief selector and former captain Nawroz Mangal.Test Squad: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Nasir Jamal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Amir Hamza, Sayed Shirzad, Yamin Ahmadzai, Wafadar, Zahir KhanSquad for Bangladesh T20Is: Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Najeeb Tarakai, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shapoor Zadran, Aftab Alam

Liverpool went through a big summer of change after the 2022/23 campaign failed to bear any fruits for Jurgen Klopp's side, with the midfield receiving more than just a spruce-up after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons.

While Klopp had crafted a successful, compelling outfit on Merseyside over a number of years, it all came undone as the midfield struggled to charge the engine room and the backline failed to display the kind of strength and synthesis as a collective, too often coming unstuck.

Frankly, Liverpool were outthought and outfought all too often, and it's little surprise that there was a mass exodus over the summer months, with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo arriving to chart a course back to the forefront.

Such additions have been important but they have augmented the existing members that were not given the chop, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones both playing important roles in the Reds' campaign thus far.

Spaniards Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic also played big roles last year but have both been plagued with injury since the summer; the latter, Bajcetic, was a diamond in the dirt last season and proved to be a real asset as he guided his senior peers through the darkness of last year, even being praised as a "special" talent by Klopp.

Bajcetic, aged 19, is evidence that Liverpool's youth ranks boast quality enough to break into the senior set-up, following in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps, but it doesn't look like he will be the last to rise to the fore under Klopp's wing, with a rich crop of talent bubbling under the surface right now.

Not least with prodigy Trent Kone-Doherty continuing to produce some scintillating displays…

Trent Kone-Doherty's season in numbers

Describing himself as "fearless", Kone-Doherty has blitzed up the ranks at youth level and posted 16 goals and four assists from just 29 outings so far, though he is still awaiting his senior debut.

The six-cap Republic of Ireland U17 international has been hailed for his "blinding pace" by Foyle Harps chairman Gerry Doherty, who also declared him a "flying machine".

Signing for the Anfield side for a reported fee of £150k, the 17-year-old is part of a revolution at formative level at the club, with an inpouring of exciting potential arriving to give Klopp more than a little food for thought.

The revered gaffer's history of providing Reds starlets with chances to impress will only convince Kone-Doherty that he can wedge his way into the reckoning, with Bajcetic and Alexander-Arnold not the only youngsters to be brought to the surface.

Indeed, Ben Doak and Jarell Quansah are perfect examples of why Liverpool might be the place for a prodigious talent such as Kone-Doherty to grow into his skin.

Another rising star who was destined for a position of prominence was Kaide Gordon, who had caused a storm among those of a Liverpool persuasion before a detrimental injury culled his growth, but with the fleet-footed winger now returning, Klopp may have to contend with the rise of two competing prodigies.

Kaide Gordon's career so far

Signed from Derby County for around £3m in 2021, Gordon, aged 19, has been regarded as one of Liverpool's most exciting attacking talents since his acquisition and demonstrated his talent through some excellent showings, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists from 27 matches.

Dubbed "exceptional" by Klopp, Gordon was beset with horrendous luck on the injury front and returned to full training this summer after 17 months sidelined with a pelvic growth issue.

There have been minor setbacks that have hindered him from returning to action with regularity as yet, but there is a feeling that Gordon is now ready to dazzle once again with his dynamism, lightning speed and natural finishing instinct – he is left-footed, and prefers to ply his trade as an inside forward from the right.

Apps

Goals

Assists

G/A Rate

U18 Premier League

Kone-Doherty

19

12

3

0.79

Gordon

15

9

3

0.80

Premier League 2

Kone-Doherty

3

1

0

0.33

Gordon

10

4

1

0.5

*Sourced via Transfermarkt

When he arrived at Liverpool, he was dubbed 'the best 16-year-old in the country', and Liverpool, having warded off attention from Manchester United, felt that they had secured a star in the making.

Injury has hindered his development, but it doesn't have to be detrimental, with plenty of time to nurture his innate quality back to its peak.

However, with Kone-Doherty now coming for his throne, Gordon will need to ensure that he puts his heart and soul into his performances over the coming months to reclaim a place in Klopp's first team.

While Kone-Doherty has only just burst onto the scene in the Premier League 2, he got himself off the mark nice and early, scoring a crucial goal in a 1-1 draw against Derby in August.

And given that he's only a few months into his 17th year, there is ample time for him to sculpt the perfect foundation over the coming years, using this as a launchpad to ensconce himself in Klopp's senior team.

Gordon has already demonstrated that such lofty ambitions can be realised, having racked up four senior showings and bagging his first professional goal against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third round in 2022, a goal among many in a conquest to the trophy, defeating Chelsea on penalties in March.

Despite only recently returning to action after his interminable wait for full fitness, Gordon has already been called up to the senior squad and earned a place on the bench against Toulouse earlier in November; this speaks volumes for Gordon's quality and chances of earning opportunities alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez this term.

Should Kone-Doherty hold onto his 'fearless' nature and continue to sharpen his natural attacking expertise, there is every possibility that he could surpass Gordon and knock on Klopp's door as the most promising youngster on the books.

The German manager has much to consider, but deciding who deserves a chance is the type of conundrum that every manager hopes for.

Newcastle have been dealt a huge injury blow in the run-up to the end of the season after it was confirmed that Sven Botman suffered an ACL injury.

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Botman injured during Man City clashDefender diagnosed with ACL injuryWill undergo operation next weekWHAT HAPPENED?

The centre-back was forced off in the late stages of the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. He has since been diagnosed with an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament and faces up to nine months out after he undergoes surgery next week.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT NEWCASTLE SAID

An update from the club read: "Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.

"Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday's match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.

"The Dutch centre-back initially sustained a knee injury in September 2023 and elected for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan – a decision which saw him return to action in December.

"Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 24-year-old Netherlands international has been a mainstay in Eddie Howe's team this season, making 22 appearances in all competitions. He was previously ruled out with a knee injury that sidelined him from late-September until December.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

The absence of a key figure comes as a big blow to Newcastle as they look to get back into the fight for a place in European football next term. Howe's side sit 10th in the table and take on West Ham in their next match on March 30.

Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand previously

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2018BPL chairman and BCB director Afzalur Rahman Sinha died at the Gleneagles Global Hospital in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 68 and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.A Freedom Fighter in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, Sinha had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer and kidney disease in Singapore and Thailand. He was a well-acknowledged financier and sports organiser, who joined the BCB in 1998 and later became chairman of its finance committee.Sinha was also president of Surjo Tarun, a Dhaka league side with whom he has worked with for two decades. He had also chaired Acme Laboratories; a leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh.

Former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez said compatriot Darwin Nunez is one of the best strikers in the world after his winner against Nottingham Forest.

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Nunez scores winner for LiverpoolHelps Reds stay top of Premier LeagueInter Miami's Suarez lauds compatriotGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds striker scored a 99th-minute winner against Forest on Saturday to earn a vital three points and maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League. And after the victory, fellow Uruguayan Suarez, who played at Anfield between 2011 and 2014, sung the praises of Nunez.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT LUIS SUAREZ SAID

Following his brace for Inter Miami in their 5-0 win over Orlando City on Saturday, Suarez said: "Yes I saw [the goal]. I am so happy for Liverpool and I am so happy for Darwin. He is one of the best strikers in the world today."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Nunez has been criticised for his performances and profligacy in front of goal during his time at Liverpool but he has still scored 14 times this season and bagged 11 assists. He has proven to be an important player in the Reds' bid to win an historic quadruple.

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WHAT NEXT?

Suarez's Miami take on Nashville in a round of 16 first-leg tie in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Friday, whereas Nunez's Liverpool are back in Europa League action away to Sparta Praha in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday.