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. The Reds are set to take on the youth versions of the teams they are facing in the senior Champions League.
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 BST). The Reds will be aiming to continue their success in the competition, having previously twice reached the quarter-finals.
A Test of Young Talents
U21s coach Barry Lewtas, who will take charge of the team, sees the UEFA Youth League as a vital test for young players. "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.”
Lewtas highlights the value of the competition, pointing out the current first-team squad members who gained valuable experience in the UEFA Youth League, including Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton.
Facing the Rossoneri Challenge
The challenge of facing AC Milan’s youngsters is one that Lewtas is relishing. “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 game against AC Milan is a chance for Liverpool’s youth players to showcase their talent against a team with a strong history in European football. The Rossoneri are coming off a successful season in the UEFA Youth League, reaching the final for the first time in any Italian club’s history. While they did not win the title, the experience gained was invaluable for the players.
A Platform for Success
Lewtas emphasizes the importance of the UEFA Youth League as a platform for young players to prove themselves on a ‘European’ stage. “I suppose this time it gives us six games against six different opponents,” he says. “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.”
The UEFA Youth League provides an opportunity for young players to experience the thrill of European competition, gaining valuable experience and potentially earning a spot in the first team. The competition allows them to test their skills against some of the best academy teams in Europe, a stepping stone on their journey towards becoming professional footballers.
A Glimpse into the Future
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. Other notable players in the squad include goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, defenders Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington and attackers Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty.
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. Ngumoha, the left winger signed from Chelsea, is expected to be part of the squad for the U19s in Milan.
The game against AC Milan offers a chance for these young players to make their mark, demonstrating their potential and striving to impress both the coaching staff and the scouts. The UEFA Youth League provides a platform for them to showcase their talent and earn a place in the first team.
A Night to Remember
The game at the Centro Sportivo Vismara is a chance for Liverpool’s youth players to create their own special memories in the UEFA Youth League. “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.”
The UEFA Youth League offers a unique opportunity for young players to experience the excitement and intensity of European competition. It is a stepping stone towards reaching their full potential as professional footballers, a platform to showcase their talent and earn a place in the first team. As they take on AC Milan at the Centro Sportivo Vismara, Liverpool’s youth players will be hoping to create their own special memories, etching their names in the history of the UEFA Youth League.
