Liverpool starlet was once ahead of Trent, then Klopp sold him for just £3m

While Jordan Henderson‘s cameo last night provided Liverpool with a burst of nostalgia, more eyes would have been on Curtis Jones as he started in the centre of Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad.

It was a routine victory, England seeing off Albania 2-0 through goals from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and record-extending goalscorer Harry Kane, who marked cap number 104 with goal number 70.

Jones has been a steady presence in the England camp since making his debut in the Autumn. He scored in that one, against Greece.

What a rise for Liverpool’s academy graduate. Like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jones has become a star for club and country, but not all among the Reds youth succeed in reaching such heights.

There’s no question that Trent is the finest talent Liverpool have produced since Steven Gerrard inspired a city, and Liverpool would do well to find an even brighter star in the coming years.

Saying that, the current crop is looking rather healthy.

Liverpool’s academy development

Liverpool’s talent factory has made significant progress over the past several years, but it wasn’t always the case. Before Jurgen Klopp, Kirkby prospects of genuine quality were few and far between.

But the German’s final years at the helm saw a stunning influx, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah becoming regular features last term to join the existing stars in Alexander-Arnold and Jones.

The success, of course, culminated in ‘Klopp’s Kids’ playing an instrumental role in lifting the 2023/24 Carabao Cup. Now, the Anfield side boasts rich youth ranks with the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha leading the next generation’s charge.

This new crop are great and all, but Trent led the way for this academy revival on Merseyside. Pickings had been slim beforehand, but there was another who was expected to be part of that trend-setting group as a homegrown superstar.

However, it hasn’t happened for this Redman, who is now clubless aged 27.

The Liverpool prospect who was ahead of Trent

The man in question here actually burst onto the scene before Alexander-Arnold, but he’s since plummeted into the depths of the game, barely playing any football over the past three years.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Who remembers Ovie Ejaria? Once among the cream of Liverpool’s academy crop, the midfielder has endured a tough career that threatens a bleakly premature conclusion.

He made eight competitive appearances for Liverpool during the 2016/17 season, earning praise from then-academy coach Michael Beale.

“Ovie has developed so much since he joined the academy,” Beale said. “He has always been a lovely technical player but now he is much more mature in his decision-making and in his application to his defensive duties.”

Alexander-Arnold might be one of the world’s best right-backs, but he was principally found in midfield before breaking onto the scene in 2017.

Sharing the role with Ejaria, jostling for space and prominence, it’s safe to say the 26-year-old won, but given Ejaria actually got a chance before his one-time teammate, things could have been so different.

Once a titan of Liverpool’s youth scene, Ejaria ebbed away across a loan and then permanent stay with Reading, making a total of 127 displays in blue and white, notching 22 goal involvements.

Since leaving the League One club, he’s done very little, going on trial with Egyptian Premier League club Zamalek in October 2024. Sadly, nothing appears to have come of the audition.

Considering the former England U21 international’s fortunes since leaving Liverpool, it’s rather good business that Klopp and FSG managed to claim £3m when he left for Reading.

For a player who was once held in such high regard, emerging at the start of Klopp’s dynasty before the superstars of today took their first steps, it’s a shame things haven’t worked out.

But it also serves as a reminder that Liverpool have come on leaps and bounds over the past decade.

Related

Better than Gakpo: Liverpool plot surprise move for “outrageous” £20m star

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing up a swoop to sign the Ligue 1 sensation this summer.