7 min read Football Wonderkids

Liverpool's most exciting youth academy prospects in 24/25

Liverpool's best youth academy prospects in 2024-25
Liverpool's best youth academy prospects in 2024-25

Liverpool's academy continues to be a breeding ground for future stars, with 2024 highlighting an exceptional crop of young talent.

From the newly recruited Rio Ngumoha to established academy products like Ben Doak and Oakley Cannonier, these youngsters have impressed at various levels and are knocking on the door of the first team.

Their development reflects Liverpool’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, ensuring a bright future for the club.

In recent years, Liverpool have successfully integrated a host of promising players into their senior setup, demonstrating the effectiveness of their youth development strategy.

This emphasis on youth is part of a broader strategy to create a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of stepping up to the demands of Premier League and European football.

Overall, Liverpool’s 2024 youth cohort showcases a blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and the physical attributes required to compete at the highest levels.

With a focus on providing clear pathways from the academy to the first team, Liverpool is well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge and ensure a legacy of homegrown talent leading the charge in future campaigns.

11. Rio Ngumoha

The Liverpool academy have continued their success in recruiting highly-rated young players from rival academies across England.

Chelsea's Rio Ngumoha, a 15-year-old winger known for his impressive performances and potential, left Stamford Bridge due to concerns about his pathway to the first team.

Liverpool’s reputation for nurturing young talent has been a significant factor in their successful pursuit of Ngumoha, who has already trained with Chelsea’s first team and made notable appearances for their Under-18 squad.

Ngumoha's arrival at Anfield is part of a broader strategy to bolster Liverpool's youth ranks, following recent acquisitions like Alvin Ayman, Trey Nyoni, and Amara Nello.

Ngumoha's move is a strategic addition to Liverpool’s academy, with plans to integrate him into the U18s team before potentially advancing to the U21 squad.

Despite his youth, Ngumoha has drawn comparisons to Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian and is considered one of the top talents in his age group.

10. Oakley Cannonier

Age: 18
Position: Forward / Striker

Oakley Cannonier, a promising forward with exceptional skills, is a standout player in Liverpool FC's U21s squad. Initially joining Liverpool U12s from Leeds United, Cannonier has steadily risen through the Academy ranks, representing England at various youth levels.

His journey with the Reds saw a significant milestone when he signed his first professional contract in July 2021, a prelude to his stellar 2021-22 season where he scored 41 goals across all competitions, including 28 in the U18 Premier League North.

Cannonier advanced to the U21s and secured a new long-term deal in August 2022.

Despite injury setbacks, Cannonier's early performances highlight his potential and resilience, marking him as one to watch in Liverpool's future plans.

Cannonier’s clinical finishing and movement in the box could see him earning minutes in cup competitions and possibly in the Premier League, especially if Liverpool face injuries up front.

9. Luke Chambers

Age: 19
Position: Left-back

Luke Chambers, a talented left-back from Preston, has progressed through Liverpool FC's Academy since the age of six, signing new contracts in July 2022 and May 2023.

In 2022, Chambers was part of the England U19 team who won the European Championship.

After a loan spell at Kilmarnock in early 2023, Chambers made his Liverpool debut and played four times in the 2023-24 season before going on loan to Wigan Athletic in January.

Chambers could provide backup to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, offering a reliable option in defence and adding depth to Liverpool’s squad during a busy fixture schedule.

8. Trey Nyoni

Age: 17
Position: Midfielder

Trey Nyoni’s versatility and intelligence on the ball have caught the eye. His ability to play in multiple midfield roles makes him a valuable asset for the future.

Nyoni is predominantly deployed as an attacking midfielder at youth level for Liverpool.

He joined Liverpool from Leicester City in September 2023, where he then received a call-up to represent England U16s.

He made his Premier League 2 debut for Liverpool's U21s and capped off a memorable season by making his first team debut off the bench in the FA Cup win over Southampton at Anfield in February 2024.

Nyoni could see action in domestic cup competitions, offering a glimpse of his potential to contribute to Liverpool’s midfield in the coming years.

7. Lewis Koumas

Age: 17
Position: Striker

Lewis Koumas, the son of former Tranmere player Jason Koumas, is a versatile attacker who is capable of playing in midfield, out wide, and up front.

He joined Liverpool's Academy from Tranmere Rovers, and has taken every opportunity handed to him in his stride.

In 2023/24, Koumas was handed his senior debut under former manager Jürgen Klopp, when he scored in the Reds' FA Cup win over Southampton.

Koumas is a natural goalscorer, and he could be integrated into Arne Slot's first team in a limited capacity during the Premier League 24/25 season.

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6. Jayden Danns

Age: 16
Position: Striker

Jayden Danns, son of former Premier League midfielder Neil Danns, joined the Liverpool youth academy aged just eight years old.

Danns has largely been used as a striker at youth level, partly due to his physicality and goal-scoring ability, but is capable of fulfilling duties in attacking midfield as a No. 10 or as a No. 8 in Arne Slot's fluid system.

Danns could feature in youth competitions and potentially in cup matches, providing Liverpool with a powerful option up front as he continues to develop.

Like many on this list of the best youth prospects and wonderkids at Liverpool, Danns was awarded a senior debut in February 2023 by German manager Jürgen Klopp.

Most notably, the striker was one of the youngsters who came on during Liverpool's Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley over Chelsea.

After scoring a brace at Anfield during an FA Cup victory over Southampton, Danns' stock has risen tenfold, scoring 24 goals across all levels and age groups for Liverpool.

Danns secured his future with Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract in March 2024.

5. Kaide Gordon

Age: 19
Position: Winger / Forward

Kaide Gordon has already made his senior debut, showcasing his flair and creativity. His technical skills and attacking mindset make him one of the most promising talents at the club.

Gordon’s ability to take on defenders and deliver precise crosses will be valuable in breaking down stubborn defences. His versatility across the front line adds to his potential impact.

4. Bobby Clark

Age: 18
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Bobby Clark’s vision, creativity, and technical ability have marked him as a future star. His performances for the U18s and U21s have been impressive, demonstrating his potential to step up.

Clark could be an important creative force off the bench, providing fresh attacking ideas and linking up play between the midfield and forwards.

Bobby Clark made a significant move to Liverpool FC from Newcastle United in August 2021, subsequently securing his first professional contract with the club in February 2022. Known for his versatility across the forward line and midfield, Clark began his Academy journey with the U18s squad, making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Nottingham Forest and finishing the 2021-22 season with 13 goals.

His rapid progress continued as he joined Liverpool's senior team for their pre-season tour of Asia in July 2022.

He made his debut under Jürgen Klopp, coming off the bench in a resounding 9-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth at Anfield in the Premier League the following month. Clark solidified his commitment to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract in December 2023, further cementing his future with the Reds.

3. James McConnell

James McConnell, a talented midfielder, rose through Liverpool FC's Academy ranks to earn a place in the senior squad. Initially recruited from Sunderland as a U15 player, McConnell impressed early on, making his U18s debut as a 16-year-old in the 2020-21 season.

His dedication was rewarded with his first professional contract in September 2021, followed by a long-term extension just over a year later. In the 2022/23 season, McConnell showcased his scoring prowess with six goals for the U18s and contributed to the U19s in the UEFA Youth League before progressing to the U21s.

His progression culminated in a notable senior debut under Jürgen Klopp against Toulouse at Anfield in October 2023, solidifying his future with Liverpool by securing a fresh long-term contract three months later.

2. Keyrol Figueroa

Keyrol Figueroa, son of former Premier League defender Maynor Figueroa, is carving out his own promising path in football.

Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Keyrol joined Liverpool's academy in 2021 and quickly made a name for himself with his remarkable goal-scoring ability.

His standout moment came when he netted an astonishing 90 goals in a single season for the Under-14s, a feat that highlighted his natural talent and predatory instincts in front of goal.

Recognising his potential, Liverpool has been working on securing a new deal for him to ensure a clear path to the first team.

On the international stage, Figueroa represents the USA and has already made an impact. He scored seven goals in seven appearances at the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Mexico, demonstrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

With his sights set on breaking into Liverpool's first team, Figueroa looks set to follow in his father's footsteps, potentially making a significant impact in the Premier League in the near future.

1. Ben Doak

Age: 18
Position: Winger

Ben Doak’s pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal have made him highy-regarded throughout the academy.

Doak is arguably the standout player in the Liverpool youth academy, with his performances in the youth leagues drawing attention from the senior team coaching staff.

Scotland's Ben Doak offers a dynamic option on the wings, capable of stretching defences and creating scoring opportunities. His youthful exuberance could be a significant asset in Liverpool's attacking arsenal in the Premier League 2024-25 season.

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