🧵 THREAD: New names.
Liverpool academy 2025/26: A small list of players who have yet to forge name amongst first-team or fan base that have potential to have interesting seasons relative to their own level and expectations. A new scholarship group has been introduced.
As objectives are hit, top talent becomes evident in the sphere of fans with markers like first-team appearances or training involvement.
But beneath that, will always be the ‘next up’ so to speak.
Arne Slot’s phenomenal reign that knocked down the door of the Premier League was supplemented by a more selective hand-picked approach to the academy in which we are now seeing the real emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
The bridge between the academy and the first-team remains ever important at Liverpool.
Last year, this list featured Kornel Misciur and Kieran Morrison whom both have recently featured for Arne Slot’s first team.
Liverpool academy 2025/26: A small list of players who have yet to forge name amongst first-team or fan base that have potential to have interesting seasons relative to their own level and expectations. A new scholarship group has been introduced.
As objectives are hit, top talent becomes evident in the sphere of fans with markers like first-team appearances or training involvement.
But beneath that, will always be the ‘next up’ so to speak.
Arne Slot’s phenomenal reign that knocked down the door of the Premier League was supplemented by a more selective hand-picked approach to the academy in which we are now seeing the real emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni.
The bridge between the academy and the first-team remains ever important at Liverpool.
Last year, this list featured Kornel Misciur and Kieran Morrison whom both have recently featured for Arne Slot’s first team.
As an academy account it’s always fun to see those just under the obvious successes; the next up, so to speak.
Again, as per usual, the caveat that this list is NOT with the view of being good enough for Liverpool. Simply an interesting talent set for a good season.
Omission means nothing, many players will have as good of a season as these players. Tried not to included those set for loans or more obvious names. Ngumoha, Nyoni and even the more popular names in the academy U18 like Bradshaw aren’t on here.
There are players I am told could be of the same level or higher but I just personally haven’t seen enough and I, for one, are a fool often.
Abuse not tolerated. Although, if it’s towards me that’s fine!
Again, as per usual, the caveat that this list is NOT with the view of being good enough for Liverpool. Simply an interesting talent set for a good season.
Omission means nothing, many players will have as good of a season as these players. Tried not to included those set for loans or more obvious names. Ngumoha, Nyoni and even the more popular names in the academy U18 like Bradshaw aren’t on here.
There are players I am told could be of the same level or higher but I just personally haven’t seen enough and I, for one, are a fool often.
Abuse not tolerated. Although, if it’s towards me that’s fine!
Here are a group of players who I think can have really promising seasons or careers, that have yet to hit a marker in men’s football.
1: Haydn Murray-Holme, 16, midfielder
A fleet footed midfielder that really stands up in the final third owning a style of play that can at the very least be described as incisive.
The results match the aesthetics; a real 360 degree vision and lovely weight of pass used to not only progress the ball from deep but solve problems in tight spaces. Those problems, at times, with his back to goal being unafraid to incorporate flicks, tricks and invention. When deeper, the thinnest of corridors present themselves that weren’t previously obvious in order to launch an attack or isolate a winger. Fantastic range of passing.
Body feints, weight and momentum with close footwork help Murray-Holme beat a man with a short, elegant burst.
Part of the new scholarship intake although sporadically threatened to break through as an U16 player. He
A fleet footed midfielder that really stands up in the final third owning a style of play that can at the very least be described as incisive.
The results match the aesthetics; a real 360 degree vision and lovely weight of pass used to not only progress the ball from deep but solve problems in tight spaces. Those problems, at times, with his back to goal being unafraid to incorporate flicks, tricks and invention. When deeper, the thinnest of corridors present themselves that weren’t previously obvious in order to launch an attack or isolate a winger. Fantastic range of passing.
Body feints, weight and momentum with close footwork help Murray-Holme beat a man with a short, elegant burst.
Part of the new scholarship intake although sporadically threatened to break through as an U16 player. He
Haydn Murray-Holme hit 10 goals and 30 assists last season.
2. Will Wright, 17, striker
Manchester City and Arsenal beaten to a signature.
A player Liverpool don’t, or haven’t produced in recent years. Diving into footage, while at times representing the new-age powerhouse, athletic, off-the-shoulder number nine, some Wright’s clips begin at the start of the last third. An impressive array of different types of goal types that bode well for unpredictability due to an array of tools. We can see Wright is very capable from range.
The 17-year-old can dribble and drop deep while holding off his man which is unsurprising given Wright’s impressive size and frame.
It seems Wright really likes to power his shots into the net, giving little chance for anyone to react.
Perhaps excitingly, an arrival doesn’t immediately rule out his striking team-mate, Josh Sonni-Lambie as it looks like the pair can player together.
Manchester City and Arsenal beaten to a signature.
A player Liverpool don’t, or haven’t produced in recent years. Diving into footage, while at times representing the new-age powerhouse, athletic, off-the-shoulder number nine, some Wright’s clips begin at the start of the last third. An impressive array of different types of goal types that bode well for unpredictability due to an array of tools. We can see Wright is very capable from range.
The 17-year-old can dribble and drop deep while holding off his man which is unsurprising given Wright’s impressive size and frame.
It seems Wright really likes to power his shots into the net, giving little chance for anyone to react.
Perhaps excitingly, an arrival doesn’t immediately rule out his striking team-mate, Josh Sonni-Lambie as it looks like the pair can player together.
3. Cameron Williams, 16, left-back
A Liverpool left-back that plays for Scotland; we go again. The only repeat from last year’s list due to indeed, breaking through as an U16 player. Williams can lead the charge from left-back as a first-year scholar and more established player.
Although diminutive, this doesn’t deter Williams combatively, playing up an age group against much bigger opposition. His aggressive style is supplemented by a good reading of the game. Attacking prowess is evident as Williams was used as a winger during the U16 nationals this Summer. A very well rounded attacking full-back.
Williams has trained with the Scotland senior national team already.
A Liverpool left-back that plays for Scotland; we go again. The only repeat from last year’s list due to indeed, breaking through as an U16 player. Williams can lead the charge from left-back as a first-year scholar and more established player.
Although diminutive, this doesn’t deter Williams combatively, playing up an age group against much bigger opposition. His aggressive style is supplemented by a good reading of the game. Attacking prowess is evident as Williams was used as a winger during the U16 nationals this Summer. A very well rounded attacking full-back.
Williams has trained with the Scotland senior national team already.
4. Alvin Ayman, 17, midfielder
Consistent minutes only came towards the end of the season as Ayman’s start to the season was disrupted by injury. A poor run of results towards the end of the U18 season were massively juxtaposed to the performances of Ayman who looked settled and ready.
Having received a glowing review from a Wolves academy coach about the midfielder, a close eye was paid to the details in Ayman’s performances and everything checked out. A hard working midfielder who will put the team first, looking to break up play and covers ground exceptionally well. Athletically brilliant supplementing his strength in duels. Keeps play ticking over and while Ayman is not likely to catch the eye for actions directly in the final third, he helps drive the time up the pitch to progress the ball.
An U18 player who, in my opinion, will be an U21 regular by the end of the season.
Consistent minutes only came towards the end of the season as Ayman’s start to the season was disrupted by injury. A poor run of results towards the end of the U18 season were massively juxtaposed to the performances of Ayman who looked settled and ready.
Having received a glowing review from a Wolves academy coach about the midfielder, a close eye was paid to the details in Ayman’s performances and everything checked out. A hard working midfielder who will put the team first, looking to break up play and covers ground exceptionally well. Athletically brilliant supplementing his strength in duels. Keeps play ticking over and while Ayman is not likely to catch the eye for actions directly in the final third, he helps drive the time up the pitch to progress the ball.
An U18 player who, in my opinion, will be an U21 regular by the end of the season.
5. Josh Abe, 16
A name responsible for whispers throughout Liverpool circles in the last 6 months as potentially an elite level English talent. I expect Josh Abe to be a regular with the U18s this season.
Operating primarily on the right although capable on the left; Abe looks somewhat of an all rounder capable of taking his man on both on the inside and out. Appears powerful in his running on the ball supplemented by a high level of pace that amalgamates as an extremely direct style of play, constantly looking towards goal. Impressive footwork as well, gives him the tools to problem solve in tight spaces.
We shall see how he handles the step up, although, potentially not for too long as Chelsea look to seek revenge for Rio Ngumoha I am told before the players U16 season. So there is nothing to worry about for this season, it is next. Abe is surrounded by Chelsea players on international duty.
One well placed figure told me Abe against Chelsea this season, was “unplayable”.
A name responsible for whispers throughout Liverpool circles in the last 6 months as potentially an elite level English talent. I expect Josh Abe to be a regular with the U18s this season.
Operating primarily on the right although capable on the left; Abe looks somewhat of an all rounder capable of taking his man on both on the inside and out. Appears powerful in his running on the ball supplemented by a high level of pace that amalgamates as an extremely direct style of play, constantly looking towards goal. Impressive footwork as well, gives him the tools to problem solve in tight spaces.
We shall see how he handles the step up, although, potentially not for too long as Chelsea look to seek revenge for Rio Ngumoha I am told before the players U16 season. So there is nothing to worry about for this season, it is next. Abe is surrounded by Chelsea players on international duty.
One well placed figure told me Abe against Chelsea this season, was “unplayable”.
6. Joshua Sonni-Lambie, 17, striker
Equal output in both goals and creativity has seen Sonni-Lambie rise quietly in the background into a promising spot heading into this season.
An unselfish nine fitting into the modern fold that often sees a striker as deep as the middle third or full-back area either both defending and beginning attacks. JSL has really begun to put everything to together.
Perhaps a little shy to pull the trigger early in his educational number 9 journey but appears to have found the perfect balance, ranking high amongst the goals. Comfort all the way across the front-line and good ball mastery makes for a fluid footballer who can play as a sole striker or off another.
Efforts have been recognised with first international call-ups - scoring in all England U18 camps present - and Nike signing Sonni-Lambie as an athlete.
I’d expect a strong start to the U18 season before U21 promotion in January.
Equal output in both goals and creativity has seen Sonni-Lambie rise quietly in the background into a promising spot heading into this season.
An unselfish nine fitting into the modern fold that often sees a striker as deep as the middle third or full-back area either both defending and beginning attacks. JSL has really begun to put everything to together.
Perhaps a little shy to pull the trigger early in his educational number 9 journey but appears to have found the perfect balance, ranking high amongst the goals. Comfort all the way across the front-line and good ball mastery makes for a fluid footballer who can play as a sole striker or off another.
Efforts have been recognised with first international call-ups - scoring in all England U18 camps present - and Nike signing Sonni-Lambie as an athlete.
I’d expect a strong start to the U18 season before U21 promotion in January.
7. Erik Farkas, 15, midfielder
Players often dominate younger age groups due to their physical prowess and struggle when arriving to a level playing field.
We don’t expect the same of Erik Farkas who’s technically proficiency in the middle of the park sets him apart from his peers.
Players often dominate younger age groups due to their physical prowess and struggle when arriving to a level playing field.
We don’t expect the same of Erik Farkas who’s technically proficiency in the middle of the park sets him apart from his peers.
We can expect to see Farkas force his way into an already crowded midfield area at U18 level on sheer talent.
Hungarian born, Farkas has been lauded for his vision and speed of thought that helps his side progress the ball up the pitch. And that has seen the English FA attempt to entice Farkas who only came to England as a 11-year-old. Representing England U16 already in friendlies, should Farkas wish to play in upcoming competitive U17 fixtures, an English passport would be needed.
Very different player to what we normally see in England and Liverpool.
Hungarian born, Farkas has been lauded for his vision and speed of thought that helps his side progress the ball up the pitch. And that has seen the English FA attempt to entice Farkas who only came to England as a 11-year-old. Representing England U16 already in friendlies, should Farkas wish to play in upcoming competitive U17 fixtures, an English passport would be needed.
Very different player to what we normally see in England and Liverpool.
8. Joe Upton, 17, midfielder
Perhaps a dark horse who many will write off due to size, which, admittedly is rather diminutive and could cause issues. Another midfielder who can play as an 8 or deeper, although, a rotating pivot potentially.
But Upton is a clever footballer with an arrowing pass in his boots and can certainly play the ball through the thirds. What was telling is the trust a more established Trey Nyoni had in Upton at times when dropping back in. The Liverpool first-team player had no qualms in handing responsibility to Upton who can toss a ball all over the pitch.
Upton also has a lovely drop of the shoulder that he uses to get away from his man and open up the pitch. But the passing range and speed of that catches the eye.
Despite being particularly small, Upton will put himself around the pitch and shows strength in the tackle. Dark horse for me.
Perhaps a dark horse who many will write off due to size, which, admittedly is rather diminutive and could cause issues. Another midfielder who can play as an 8 or deeper, although, a rotating pivot potentially.
But Upton is a clever footballer with an arrowing pass in his boots and can certainly play the ball through the thirds. What was telling is the trust a more established Trey Nyoni had in Upton at times when dropping back in. The Liverpool first-team player had no qualms in handing responsibility to Upton who can toss a ball all over the pitch.
Upton also has a lovely drop of the shoulder that he uses to get away from his man and open up the pitch. But the passing range and speed of that catches the eye.
Despite being particularly small, Upton will put himself around the pitch and shows strength in the tackle. Dark horse for me.
9. Vincent Joseph, 15, attacking midfield/forward
A somewhat of a golden trio at U16 level between the aforementioned Abe, Farkas and this attacker is taking place.
Joseph finds himself on the scoresheet more often than not as a player who can slalom is way into the box, hold of his man really well and has a penchant for picking out the corners or side netting. A really, really good finisher. Quick.
Joseph is perhaps, at the moment viewed more tentatively of the three due to his already physical advantages he has over his opponent.
Capable upfront or as a ten.
Should this translate well to the older age groups then Liverpool have a reason to be incredibly excited. And Germany have already made him a regular in the youth set-up as England make efforts to convince him otherwise.
A somewhat of a golden trio at U16 level between the aforementioned Abe, Farkas and this attacker is taking place.
Joseph finds himself on the scoresheet more often than not as a player who can slalom is way into the box, hold of his man really well and has a penchant for picking out the corners or side netting. A really, really good finisher. Quick.
Joseph is perhaps, at the moment viewed more tentatively of the three due to his already physical advantages he has over his opponent.
Capable upfront or as a ten.
Should this translate well to the older age groups then Liverpool have a reason to be incredibly excited. And Germany have already made him a regular in the youth set-up as England make efforts to convince him otherwise.
And there are many more potential players who haven’t been mentioned here who I would’ve liked too.
I’ve tried to not mention players from last years, those are are quite well known and no one set to go out on loan.
Would’ve liked to include Lenix Conde but I’ve not seen enough of him play.
Clae Ewing as well, but didn’t want the list to drag.
These are my personal thoughts. There are many not included who will have as good as seasons if not better than those on here. I can guarantee you that.
I’ve tried to not mention players from last years, those are are quite well known and no one set to go out on loan.
Would’ve liked to include Lenix Conde but I’ve not seen enough of him play.
Clae Ewing as well, but didn’t want the list to drag.
These are my personal thoughts. There are many not included who will have as good as seasons if not better than those on here. I can guarantee you that.
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