Which Liverpool Young Kids Can Make the First Team in the Near Future?

With the ever increasing pressure for Liverpool to put together a Premiership winning side, it is becoming more difficult for young players from the Academy or elsewhere to get chances in the first team. Here is a bit of a preview on some of Liverpool's brightest talents that should get their chances soon.

Craig Lindfield (18)- One of the hottest striker prospects to come out of Liverpool's academy since Michael Owen, Lindfield has the ability to finish anything that comes his way. Good in the air and very nimble with his feet, he was given a pre-season run out in 2006 and scored a nice left-footed goal set up by Robbie Fowler. During the 2006/2007 Reserve Season, Lindfield scored a remarkable overhead kick goal that left everyone gaping. he was also a vital part of the 2007 FA Youth Cup win, totalling 12 goals in all, including a penalty kick in the shootout win vs. Man Utd. One or two more years for this lad, possibly a loan deal out to a Championship side, and I can see him feature in Rafa's strike force rotation.

Adam Hammill (19)- A flamboyant winger who can play on either side, I believe the sky is the limit for this player. Hammill went out on loan to Dunfermline in the SPL for half of the 06/07 campaign and was a major part in their Scottish Cup Final appearance against Celtic. Hammill scored an absolute belter from 25 yards against Celtic in a league game that proved his quality, after he beat his man with a pair of stepovers. He became a fan favorite at Dunfermline and he surely will be one with the Liverpool supporters as well. He is rated so highly with the coaching staff at Liverpool, and he has been given a chance to prove himself in the 2007 pre-season.

Jay Spearing (18)- Well you can't say enough about this kid. The scouse Midfielder/Centre Back takes after the likes of Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard and goes 110% into everything he does. He is a hard nosed tackler and a fiery player, bringing bags of energy to the team. Though he was used as a central defender for the Youth Cup campaign, he is more suited to a holding midfielder's role where he can get stuck in to challenges all day long which is just as he likes. The former Academy Director, Steve Heighway ventured to say Spearing was ready for the first team this past year, and when Steve Heighway himself says that you know you are getting the highest praise from the Liverpool legend.

Some other notable up and coming players:

Steven Darby- Another product of the Liverpool academy, this right back made a surprise appearance on the bench against Galatasaray in a European Cup game last season, though he did not get to play. He will probably be used in some Carling Cup matches this year to get some experience, but time will tell to see how good he gets.

Paul Anderson (18)- Though not from the Liverpool academy, this winger made a name for himself in the 2006 pre-season but failed to actually break through to the first team. It is thought that the Liverpool coaching staff want him to bulk up so he doesn't get pushed off the ball as easily and can shove off some fullbacks he takes on. Anderson displays lightning pace, a good finish, and a decent cross on him.

Raymond Putterill (18)- Still actually an Academy player, he takes after Adam Hammill as a showboating winger that likes to put on a trick or two. Featured heavily in the Youth Cup, Putterill contributed immensely with his ability to take on defenders and deliver good crosses into the box. He is definitely one to watch out for in the next couple of years.

Adam Hammill goal vs. Celtic that I mentioned earlier:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5klTOt1J37k