Jon Flanagan continued his comeback and Ryan Kent provided an assist for the winner as Liverpool U21s beat Southampton 2-1 at Staplewood training ground on Monday night. After playing 30 minutes and 45 minutes in recent weeks, the defender stepped up his fitness with another impressive first-half outing at right-back. Flanagan, who has spent the last 19 months on the sidelines following a succession of knee injuries, is edging his way back to full fitness as he looks to make his first appearance since the final game of the 2013-14 season. Michael Beale’s side also saw the inclusion of Kent, Jerome Sinclair, Pedro Chirivella and Joe Maguire who were all in action for the first-team at Exeter City on Friday night, while Hungarian centre-back Kristof Polgar made his first start of the season. It was a sweet victory for the young Reds after coming from behind. Harry Wilson was also on the mark with a penalty before Polgar claimed the final touch on a Kent free-kick to net the winner. The U21s were so unlucky not to take the lead on 16 minutes when Alex O’Hanlon got in behind the Saints defence but after beating goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, the Irishman saw his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Jack Stephens. Then on 28 minutes Wilson set off on a great run down the right flank, and after cutting inside he curled an effort just past the post. The home side then had a great chance on the half-hour mark when Ryan Seager found himself clean through after a misplaced pass, but with Ryan Fulton doing brilliantly to narrow the angle, the striker could only fire wide. However, two minutes later Seager made amends when he turned provider for Harrison Reed who gave Fulton no chance with a great finish. Beale’s charges drew themselves on 32 minutes from the penalty spot. A delightful backheel from Wilson played in Flanagan who was brought down by Stephens. Wilson confidently netted from the spot to level the scores. The young Reds made a planned change at the break when Flanagan made way for American striker Brooks Lennon, with Matty Virtue switching to right-back. The home side then almost regained the lead on 52 minutes when Reed struck the post from a free-kick. Liverpool got the winner in the 82nd minute when Polgar got the slightest of touches from close range to divert the ball into the back of the net following a Kent free-kick from the left edge of the box. Substitute Daniel Trickett-Smith almost made it 3-1 with a superb low drive that flew inches past the post. Liverpool U21s: Fulton, Flanagan (Lennon 45), Hart, Polgar, Maguire, Virtue (Whelan 65), Wilson, Chirivella, Sinclair (Trickett-Smith 86), O’Hanlon, Kent. Subs not used: Firth, Dhanda.
Wilson is a strange one. Massive hyper, weirdly caked up to Wales but not really been close to first team. Not ot really kept up with the reserves this year so not sure how he's been getting on but when ever I see a report he tends to be on the score sheet
He went on loan to crewe for a long part of the season and didnt get any game time really. Wasted loan
Yeah.... the u21s have been in the crapper too due to this policy. The thing is we are approaching another moment where calls must be made here. We had sterling and Ibe. .. we cleared their path by allowing Ince and amoo and silva to go. Right now Ojo Kent Wilson and canos are all basically wingers. The first team has only one winger in ibe who's still very young and inexperienced and not delivering the killer touch. We have Teixeira still playing u21. Klopp is going to have to make a call here as to which he really backs.... and... which sign long term deals to protect the club before said backing.
It's the same at striker. Sinclair is there. We've loaned yesil and he's done nothing. Both are in the way. Trickett-Smith smith is on the way up. Not sure he's as good as sinclair even... he's done well when he's been in u18. Oh and I forgot the exbarca winger too. You would have seen Lennon who is very young at striker too. But we've ****e all cb youths really.... none that I'd say hey he might make it.
No. He was 16 when Wales gave him 2 mins to secure him. He's been working away at his level... not sure a loan was in his best interests at the time.
Well... injuries did for him. Remember duran? Really nice little player but two knee injuries. Same with Yesil. Bit of talent we punted on and two cruciate injuries later he's just not near the level. I'm not sure he knows what the level is.
nemeth just never... did anything.... he went on loan once, got an elbow and that was that. he never developed, but never had the pace really for the top level. he was hyped for sure. I believe he has had a long and very undistinguished career which has now finally flowered in MLS with kansas city...
This board needs it's hero.... Will Flanno play Tuesday night in u21s or Wednesday in a triumphant return from injury?
The Flanagan Contract Watch. Will he be offered a new deal? Or will his lack of ability finally get the better of him?
