There were mixed fortunes this week for Liverpool’s Academy teams ahead of the new season
Only a handful of Academy prospects ultimately made the trip with the Liverpool first team to the Far East this month. But that hasn’t stopped those left behind from issuing a reminder of their worth to Arne Slot.
Chief among those is Jayden Danns, the striker who netted under the Dutchman last season but whose campaign was curtailed by a back problem that ultimately scuppered a proposed loan to then-Championship side Sunderland.
Danns has subsequently continued his rehabilitation at Kirkby and took another step forward by marking his return to action for the first time since January by netting a penalty in the under-21’s 3-1 friendly win over French side Lens on Tuesday.
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There was a goal, too, for Kaide Gordon, who also netted twice in the previous week’s 8-0 romp over Celtic. The 20-year-old winger experienced disappointing loan spells in the Championship with Norwich City and Portsmouth last season and will be hoping for more first-team experience this term.
Completing the scoring for Rob Page’s side was Keyrol Figueroa, who also bagged against Celtic.
“It was a competitive game throughout and there were valuable minutes for everyone at this stage of pre-season,” said player-coach Jay Spearing. “It was also great to see Jayden Danns back on the pitch.
“We’ve got a couple more tests to come now in the coming weeks which we’re looking forward to.”
Liverpool U18s, who drew 1-1 with West Ham United in a friendly on Saturday at St George’s Park, continued their preparations for the new campaign with a 4-1 defeat against Blackpool at the Academy on Wednesday. Ellis Hickman scored the Reds’ goal.