Liverpool's Chinese trialists have spoken of their great pride at showcasing their talent with one of the world's biggest clubs. Long Chen, 16, and Chen Xiao Mao, 14, are in the final hours of their week-long spell in Kirkby having made a good impression with the youth-base's coaching staff. The midfield pair have lived every young boy's dream over the course of the past seven days, as well as enjoying the unique Anfield atmosphere at the Reds' Barclays Premier League clash with Norwich City. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one they will both cherish forever - regardless of whether the club decide to help shape their future. Long said: "This is the first time I have had the opportunity to come and learn about football in one of the world's best footballing countries. I will treasure my time here a great deal. "Obviously, everyone back home is excited about my opportunity. It is great for a player like myself to have the chance to improve in this situation. During this trial I've learned a lot, however, what has impressed me the most is that everything done here is very professional. "Everyone has been very friendly, warm and welcoming to us. "If I can remain in Liverpool's plans for the future it will be my life's most important turning point." Long's words were echoed by Chen, who feels he gave a good account of himself despite the issue of the language barrier. He said: "The time we have been at Liverpool has not been long but everything has been wonderful. I have to say my deepest impression was watching the first team play. The atmosphere was incredible. "My confidence at the beginning of the trial was perhaps lacking a bit but I think it is getting better and I now feel I can make an impact. "We don't speak much English but we have used hand gestures to communicate. We have watched what is being done in the training drills and copied it. Overall it has been an incredible experience for both of us." Go on a bit don't they.
~ I think it's kind of well.... exploitative. The website is clearly using these boys for all they are worth yet they are only on a weeks trial. Ergo creates a false impression over there we are interested in kids. they are young, in one case only 14 and i just feel thats too young to be half way round the world and i'd rather hear we build a relationship with a chinese club and an academy over there than this short term thing.
MITO, I have to agree that I find the whole idea of a 'market' in young players quite repulsive. Personally, I would like to see a complete embargo on the transfer of any player until they reach their 17th birthday (unless there are domestic reasons for the transfer). Where we can, I think that we should expand the kind of relationship that we are entering with Natcionale. But to do that you need the other club to already have an established youth development programme. With these 2 Chinese lads, I believe that LFC are signaling that they have a major interest in the development of Chinese talent in general rather than the 2 youngsters themselves. It is a good basis from which to hold talks with the authoritites abot the creation of programmes to establish both youth and club development. In future I would love to see the opportunity for young foreign talent, developed at home using similar programmes, to display their skills for us. As importantly for our youngsters, who may not have reached the required standard for out 1st team squad, to earn a good living playing abroad in developing leagues.
I agree with what you've said there exactly. 17 is an age that pro contractscan be signed and guys in theory have left school. so.... they can be in an army too so.... I agree that a network of clubs is the way to go but in the end it is a type of pyramid scheme isn't it, we get the talent and they basically have to get transfer money and access to the latest and greatest coaching methods for thier staff. I'd like a french or dutch club where kids can go to for a better standard than reserve too. As long as the deal is fair to all parties and its really professionally run i think it can be good for even the kids. I thought one story on the website... ok but the following up of it is setting young lads up for a fall isn't it?
