The headlines recently surrounding Liverpool have been anything but positive. The proposed takeover by New England Sports Ventures (NESV) is still far from finalized and Roy Hodgson's side find themselves in the unfamiliar territory of the relegation zone.
However, look carefully behind the headlines at Anfield and you will find a thriving youth system which could just hold the key to not only Liverpool's but also England's future.
There are signs that the FA are beginning to take youth football seriously. Once upon a time, under-17 and under-19 tournaments were viewed almost as an inconvenience. Now, especially given Spain's success in having developed and educated an entire generation of players to win the ultimate prize, England's youth teams are approached more professionally and are well worth watching.
Over the summer, the under-17 side won England's first age-specific title since 1993, defeating Spain in the final to lift the European under-17 championship. It is worth noting that the last England side to win a title, the successful European under-18 champions in 1993, included the likes of Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell, Nicky Butt, Robbie Fowler and Gary Neville – Not a bad crop.
Many of the summer's under-17 champions are now producing the goods for Noel Blake's under-19 side. They recorded two good victories over the weekend in the qualifying tournament of the European under-19 championship and the young lions appear to be roaring their way to next summer's finals in Romania, where they will fancy their chances.
The big hope is that this crop of players will get used to performing and winning in tournaments at a young age. By the time they become senior internationals, they will be less likely to choke on the big stage in the same way that Fabio Capello's side did in South Africa.
If this group of youngsters is to succeed, the likelihood is that it will also produce an exciting generation of new stars at Liverpool. IMScouting takes a look at five of the Anfield starlets who are central to England's youth sides and of course are ones to watch for the future.
Andre Wisdom
Age: 17
Position: Centre-back
Wisdom has progressed at a remarkable pace. Plucked from Bradford City's youth system aged 14, at only 15-years-old, he was playing for Liverpool's under-18 side. That is testament to both Wisdom's maturity as a footballer and his physical attributes.
Wisdom is a big, strong imposing defender. Unsurprisingly, one of his main attributes is his aerial ability. He is also very quick, despite his size. However, as is crucial for the footballer of today, Wisdom also has excellent technique and is comfortable on the ball.
Aged just 15, Wisdom played a major role in Liverpool's run to the FA Youth Cup final, despite being two years younger than most players in the tournament. During that run, he starred mainly at right-back, but was also used in midfield and at centre-back. Last summer, he scored at both ends in the final of the European Under-17 Championship and cemented his role in the heart of defence.
Wisdom appears to be a born leader too and could be heard constantly barking instructions to his team-mates during last weekend's England under-19 fixtures.
Conor Coady
Age: 17
Position: Central midfield/ centre-back
Coady captained the England under-17 side to glory last summer, where he partnered Wisdom to form a formidable defensive partnership at that level.
He is now playing for Liverpool's under-18 side and reserves, largely as a defensive midfielder. The fact that Coady is versatile enough to play both in defence and in midfield is potentially an excellent attribute to have. However, he must be wary that he doesn't become a bit part utility player.
Coady has a good footballing brain and also has the brawn to make it difficult for opponents in midfield. Although he isn’t the type of player to play impressive cross-field passes, he is very adept at breaking up play and playing short and effective balls. He is also strong in the air and has the pace to keep up with opponents on the counter-attack.
Coady, like Wisdom is another vocal character and a leader on the pitch. He has the attributes to be the driving force behind a team.
Jonjo Shelvey
Age: 18
Position: Central midfield
Slightly older than Coady and Wisdom, Shelvey has plenty of experience under his belt already. He became Charlton Athletic's youngest ever player at 16 years and 59 days and soon became their youngest ever scorer too.
Shelvey rejected the interest of Chelsea before Charlton finally cashed in on the youngster, Liverpool paying a not insignificant £1.7 million for the player last April. He has since gone on to captain the England under-19 side and make his Liverpool first-team debut in this season's shock Carling Cup exit to Northampton Town.
Shelvey's style brings about automatic comparisons to Steven Gerrard. Time will tell whether that eventually serves to help or hinder him. He has a real dynamism to his game and possesses the energy to be a very effective box-to-box player. Shelvey also has an eye for goal and can make things happen going forward. Considered something of a set-piece specialist, Shelvey is also capable of playing as a second striker.
All in all, that £1.7 million could prove to be a real bargain for Liverpool in the long run.
Michael Ngoo
Age: 17
Position: Striker
Another star of the current England under-19 side, Ngoo is a tall, pacey striker. At 6ft 4in, Ngoo's physical presence is clearly a major asset. However, he also has pace to match and Liverpool certainly saw enough in him to lay out an estimated £250,000 to take him from Southend United as a 16-year-old.
Some have compared him to Peter Crouch, but Ngoo's pace sets him apart. In addition to being a threat on goal, he is composed on the ball and is able to find his team-mates in dangerous positions.
Ngoo is widely considered to have had a fine first season at Anfield with the under 18-side and a particular highlight was a Maradona-esque solo effort against Stoke City. There are question marks over whether he will develop into a prolific goalscorer, but Ngoo has done enough to push for the reserve team this season.
Raheem Sterling
Age: 15
Position: Midfield
Sterling is still very much an academy player at Anfield, but is certainly one for the future. Liverpool beat off significant competition from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United to take Sterling from QPR for a reported initial £300,000 earlier this year.
England under-16 international Sterling was already playing reserve team football at QPR as a 15-year-old when he arrived at Anfield. He still has a very slight build, but possesses undoubted natural ability and flies down the flanks. He is quick, very skillful and has very good balance, meaning that he usually gets the better of his man. Usually utilized in wide positions, some have compared him to Theo Walcott.
Sterling announced his arrival at Anfield with an excellent performance for the under-18s against rivals Everton. Aged only 15, Sterling terrorized the Toffees and scored as the Reds ran out 4-3 winners.
Such is his potential that Sterling even played for the first-team over the summer in pre-season friendlies.
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