Mike Marsh Excited By Signing Of Marc Pelosi

Liverpool Under-18s coach Mike Marsh has welcomed the signing of talented American teenager Marc Pelosi.

The highly-rated 17-year-old midfielder has completed his move to the club’s Kirkby Academy from California outfit DeAnza Force.

Pelosi took his bow for the Reds in last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Crewe in the Premier Academy League and was an unused substitute for the reserves at Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

Marsh is looking forward to working with the USA youth international who impressed the Reds’ scouts.

“Marc is a good lad who has conducted himself really well since he’s been here,” Marsh said.

“He had trained with us a couple of times but last Saturday was the first time he could play as his papers had just come through. He played 45 minutes for us at Crewe and did really well.

“Marc will be between the two groups – the under-18s and the reserves – so we will have to wait and see what happens.

“But he’s clearly got talent and is a left-footed centre midfielder who can also play anywhere on the left side.

“He’s been captain of his country and has a lot of potential. If he keeps progressing I’m sure he’ll do well.”

Pelosi, who was born in Germany, skippered USA Under-17s as this summer’s FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico. He has scored eight goals in 28 appearances at under-17 level.

From Sunnyvale in California, Pelosi had initially planned to study at UCLA in Los Angeles after leaving high school.

However, Liverpool offered the youngster a deal and he opted to make the switch across the Atlantic.

When he initially became aware of the Reds’ interest earlier this year, Pelosi said: “I have been told the Barcelona coach said that ‘If you don’t go to Barcelona, the second best place to develop is at Liverpool’. It’s a great, top notch organization.

“It’s a great feeling knowing that the work I have put in the last few years has paid huge dividends.”

Reds Academy director Frank McParland added: “We’re determined to identify the best talent globally and I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Marc in.”