Liverpool are back in the UEFA Youth League and begin their campaign at AC Milan this afternoon. It isn't just Arne Slot's side who will be stepping into a new European era today. A few hours before the seniors walk out at the San Siro, Liverpool return to the UEFA Youth League after an absence of a year.
After the first team regained their place in the Champions League, a Reds under-19 side will once again pit their wits against the best academy teams from across Europe, with the new league format mirroring the scheduled revamped main competition - albeit without the final two additional games.
Liverpool will therefore begin their UEFA Youth League programme against AC Milan at the Centro Sportivo Vismara this afternoon (kick-off 1.30pm).
The Reds are set to take on the youth versions of the teams they are facing in the senior Champions League.
"I suppose this time it gives us six games against six different opponents," says U21s coach Barry Lewtas, who will take charge of the team. "The challenge is that little bit different but what’s great about that is it gives us exposure to playing against six different teams, so from a player point of view it’s great to test their wits against those different sides."
"For us as staff, it’s a really good opportunity as well to come up against six different European teams.
"But it's an exciting opportunity for the players because of the number of players in the past who played in this competition going on to play for the first team. It’s a real good stepping stone and a test in their young career."
The Value of the UEFA Youth League
The value of the UEFA Youth League can be seen in current first-team squad members Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton all gaining valuable experience with Liverpool in the competition. This will be the sixth time Liverpool have taken part, having previously twice reached the quarter-finals. And Lewtas says: "You do get that buzz. We get to play our game on Tuesday afternoon, which I know the first-team staff will have a bit of a watch and there is always something on that as well.
"That’s nice and for us we get to watch the first team later that evening up close, which is a fantastic experience for the players. Champions League nights are very special at Anfield and Champions League nights at the San Siro is a fantastic experience as well, so I’m really pleased that this current group will get the opportunity that others have had before them."
Facing a Familiar Foe: AC Milan's Youngsters
Lewtas spoke about the competition’s return: “It’s a fantastic competition for the young players but also for the Academy, the staff included. You come up against some of the best players and some of the best coaches in Europe so for us, a real exciting opportunity and an exciting opportunity for the players because of the number of players in the past who played in this competition going on to play for the first team. It’s a real good stepping stone and a test in their young career.”
He then added on the challenge of facing AC Milan’s youngsters: “We played two real good games against AC Milan a couple of seasons ago when we were last in the competition, we won 1-0 in Kirkby and drew in Milan.
“Great occasions as well, AC Milan are a fantastic team and a fantastic name in European football so for us we are really excited to go back there and certainly without doubt it’s going to be a big challenge for us having seen what they are capable of, but it’s one we are really looking forward to.”
The Next Generation of Reds
With 18-year-old striker Jayden Danns recovering from injury, 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni is perhaps the most recognisable player eligible to play in Milan, with goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, defenders Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington and attackers Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty are also among those available.
New signings Rio Ngumoha and Alvin Ayman, both 16, made their Liverpool debuts for the U18s in the 2-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers at the weekend with Ngumoha, the left winger signed from Chelsea, expected to be part of the squad for the U19s in Milan.
And U18s boss Marc Bridge-Wilkinson says: “They are really nice, humble boys with a great attitude to learn. It's going to take them a little time to adapt to the way we work in comparison to where they were previously, but it's a positive start.
“We have brought in the boys because they have potential to reach the first team, of course. But there's no pressure from us. They come in and they have to get used to the environment, the new team-mates, coaching staff, support staff, living somewhere new.
“Our job is to make sure they are happy and make sure they are in a position where they feel comfortable and can keep learning. Whatever goes on outside these gates doesn't make any difference - the work that goes on inside the gates every day is what we focus on.”
A New Chapter Begins
The UEFA Youth League offers a platform for these young talents to showcase their abilities and potentially follow in the footsteps of previous graduates who have gone on to achieve success in the first team. This competition is a stepping stone, a test, and a valuable opportunity for these players to prove their worth and contribute to Liverpool's legacy. As they step onto the field in Milan, the eyes of the football world will be watching, eager to witness the next generation of Reds take on a new challenge.
