Liverpool: Youth challenge

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August

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U21's

Jordan Rossiter - injured until September, did not play.

Harry Wilson - did not play

Valerio Amado - came on against Arsenal Kyiv. Composed on the ball.

Jerome Sinclair - scored his first Liverpool goal in the Europa League, a tap in from a Borini cross.

Sebastian Druissi - Played three Europa League games, got man of the match in the Arsenal Kyiv away game.

Zakaria Bakkali - very promising new signing, with three goals in five games. Constantly troubled defences.

Jordan Ibe - Got an assist in the 3-0 win over Sarajevo.

Ruben Blanco - Played two Europa League away games, got the first two clean sheets of his Liverpool career.

Raheem Sterling - Lost place to Bakkali in the team, limited to late substitute appearances.

Mateo Kovacic - Won man of the match in his first game, sparking the comeback against Newcastle.

Suso - Got three assists in three Europa League games, pushing Coutinho for the No. 10 role.

Eder Alvarez Balanta - Added aerial threat to the team with two set piece goals.

Serge Aurier - wasn't signed until deadline day
 
Let me know which layout you all prefer, the one I did just then or the one I did last season with.
 
Enjoyed the simpler match report one of last season. Enjoy this and how you give youth a big chance. Amazed you weren't sacked however!
 
mkempdillon said:
Enjoyed the simpler match report one of last season. Enjoy this and how you give youth a big chance. Amazed you weren't sacked however!
Click to expand...

Yes, me too! The team seem to be gelling a lot more so far this season, so hopefully Champions League qualification is a real possibility.
 
September

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Premier League

Chelsea 1 - 0 Liverpool

Decent performance towards the end, with Suarez coming close to a last minute equaliser. Balanta and Suso started and played the whole 90 minutes, while Harry Wilson came on. Aurier made his debut after Johnson got injured 20 minutes in.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Hull

A first Liverpool goal for Suso was the main talking point, and the Spaniard's impressive form is keeping Coutinho out at the moment. Sinclair and Kovacic both came off the bench, and Rossiter made his comeback from injury late on.

Liverpool 1 - 2 Tottenham

A game which we dominated for 60 minutes, and fell apart for the final 30. A last minute Townsend cost us in a match which Kovacic started, and 17 year old Amado came on for his league debut.

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Europa League

Liverpool 3 - 3 Hoffenheim

An extraordinary game which both refereeing decisions and our own mistakes cost us. Firstly, Balanta was sent off for a soft foul (his suspension was rescinded). Then Joe Allen's poor pass back allowed the German side to make it 2-1, and an unfairly given penalty put Hoffenheim 3-2 up. Kovacic's performance was outstanding, with a goal and two assists.

Capital One Cup

Northampton 0 - 4 Liverpool

A solid result was marred by a serious injury to Rossiter ten minutes in, which should keep him out until January. Ibe and Aurier started, while Kovacic notched two more assists. Driussi, Wilson and Sinclair all came on, with little impact.
 
October/November


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Premier League

Manchester United 2 - 0 Liverpool

2-0 doesn't reflect how poorly we performed. Kovacic and Balanta started, and the late introduction of Ibe did little to create anything.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Norwich

A much needed win after last week, with two headers from Agger preventing an embarrassing home draw to Norwich. Bakkali returned from injury, while 21 year old's Aurier and Balanta both started in defence. Wilson came off the bench yet again, but failed to replicate his impressive u-21 form.

Swansea 0 - 0 Liverpool

4 starting U-21's, with Aurier, Balanta, Kovacic and Bakkali. None managed to spur the team on in a tepid encounter.

Liverpool 1 - 2 Southampton

Yet again, Southampton beat us at home. Balanta scored an own goal, and Aurier continued to deputise for Johnson. Driussi and Bakkali came on, with the latter assisting Henderson's late consolation.

Liverpool 1 - 1 West Brom

A 96th minute equaliser for West Brom after four minutes added time hurt, but we had enough chances to win the match twice. Aurier and Kovacic impressed again, while Druissi and Bakkali came on late in the game.

Cardiff 1 - 1 Liverpool

Another late equaliser kicked us in the teeth, despite the return of the more experiences Johnson. Kovacic continued his fine performances, while Suso and Sterling played 20 minutes.

Liverpool 3 - 0 Stoke

The winless run ended with a comprehensive victory at home to Stoke. Aspas almost came back to haunt us, hitting the post after five minutes, but three second half goals were enough for victory. Suso started in place of the jaded Kovacic, and Bakkali came on for 10 minutes.

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Europa League

Red Bull Salzburg 1 - 3 Liverpool

A first half goal for the Austrians made it a nervy evening, but the second half introduction of Kovacic and Suarez proved decisive. Suso and Aurier started the game.

IFK Goetsburg 1 - 3 Liverpool

Young wingers Bakkali and Sterling started, and scored important goals. Druissi, Armado and Blanco all started, and despite a goal late on the Swiss side, the result was never in doubt.

Liverpool 3 - 1 IFK Goetsburg

Volland ended his goal drought, while Rodriguez scored his first goal, a stunning long range shot. Suso and Armado both impressed.

Hoffenheim 1 - 2 Liverpool

Bakkali's last minute goal ensured qualification for the knockout stages, coming back from 1-0 down. Druissi started in the No. 10 role, but an injury led to Kovacic being introduced.

Capital One Cup

Arsenal 2 - 0 Liverpool

Not a terrible result, and a very young team held its own. Sinclair, Suso, Armado and Blanco all started, while Bakkali came off the bench.
 
December

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Premier League

Fulham 1 - 4 Liverpool

An impressive display of attacking, dominating Fulham at their own home. Gerrard's two penalties and free kick earned him a hat-trick, and he also assisted Agger's header. Kovacic started, while Driussi and Bakkali came on, with the latter winning the free kick scored by Gerrard.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Arsenal

A low quality encounter, with both failing to get shots on target. Arsenal scored what looked like a winner after 80 minutes, but Aurier's first goal for Liverpool secured a point. Kovacic and Sterling started, while Ibe came on late to try and ****** a winning.

Man City 0 - 0 Liverpool

Aurier won man of the match in an impressive away draw to a side previously 100% at home. Kovacic, Sterling and Bakkali started, with Suso and Wilson coming off the bench.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Ipswich

Easy game made easier by an early red card for Ipswich. Allen scored a screamer, and Kovacic got his first league goal. Balanta and Aurier started, and Wilson made another appearance off the bench.

Everton 2 - 1 Liverpool

Liverpool scored first, through Borini, who has been keeping Sturridge out of the team. Quick fire second half goals gave Everton another Goodison derby win. Balanta and Kovacic started, as did Aurier who limped off injured early on. Bakkali came on, but couldn't salvage anything.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Bolton

Volland ended his long Premier League goal drought (admittedly I mostly play him as a right winger),in a match which Suso, Aurier, Balanta and Bakkali started.

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Europa League

Liverpool 3 - 1 Red Bull Salzburg

Sinclair scored his first Liverpool brace, assisted by both Suso and Bakkali. Blanco, Aurier and Balanta also started.
 
Transfers

In

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1 - Michy Batshuayi ST ?6.75m

The release clause made a bargain like this hard to pass up, especially given the enormous potential the Belgian has. Should get plenty of opportunities to play early on.

Out

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1 - Jon Flanagan RB ?500k

Decent player, but struggled to break into the team ahead of the impressive Aurier, and experienced Johnson.

2 - Jordan Ibe LW loan

Decided to allow some youngsters to go out on loan, and Ibe chose League One Bournemouth ahead of Championship clubs like Leeds.

3 - Harry Wilson LW loan

Really surprising offer from Real Sociedad, but they insisted he would be a first team player, so I allowed him to try and make the same impression on La Liga as his compatriot Bale has.

4 - Jerome Sinclair ST loan

Premier League Ipswich gave him the opportunity for regular football, which we can't offer him just yet.

5 - Fabio Borini ST ?10m

Very difficult decision after a great season, but we needed funds for Michy, who seems to offer more than the Italian.
 
Surprised you sold Flanagan so cheaply. Especially as he usually becomes a good player.

Michy should do well for you though. Hopefully you can push on up the table.
 
Kerguelen said:
Surprised you sold Flanagan so cheaply. Especially as he usually becomes a good player.

Michy should do well for you though. Hopefully you can push on up the table.
Click to expand...

He had a bad injury in my first season, so failed to progress as I'd have hoped.
 
January

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Premier League

Liverpool 2 - 1 Leicester

Kovacic, Bakkali and Balanta started the home win, which should have been a lot easier. After going 2-0 up, Druissi came on, and was unfortunate to score an own goal. Just about held on for a victory in the end.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Newcastle

Balanta and Suso started, and Suarez and Volland were our two scorers for the second Premier League game in succession. 3 U21s came on, Bakkali, Kovacic, and Rossiter, making his comeback from injury.

West Ham 0 - 2 Liverpool

Balanta and Kovacic started, and 17 year old Amado came on for a decent performance. Sterling also came on, assisting Volland's goal.

Hull 0 - 2 Liverpool

Balanta and Kovacic started again, and Rossiter and Bakkali came on for late cameos. Another solid performance, denying Hull any opportunities.

Liverpool 3 - 1 Chelsea

A stunning victory against the runaway leaders. Balanta and Suso started the game, and Kovacic and Sterling came on to try and see out the victory.

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FA Cup

Blackburn 1 - 2 Liverpool

Sturridge ended his goal drought with an early goal, and Ibe grabbed his first of the season. Blanco, Balanta, Wilson, Druissi and Amado all made up the starting XI, while Sinclair and Ibe came off the bench.

Watford 0 - 2 Liverpool

Balanta scored in his man of the match display, in a game where Druissi, Blanco, Amado and Bakkali also started. Rossiter and Sterling came off the bench, the latter getting an assist.
 
February

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Premier League

Liverpool 0 - 1 Man United

Unbelievably frustrating game ended our winning run, as Suarez and Michy both forced unbelievable saves from De Gea, shortly before Mata scored a late winner. Balanta and Kovacic started and Michy came off the bench, almost scoring with his first touch.

Tottenham 0 - 2 Liverpool

Much better game, as two sublime Suarez goals proved the difference. Michy and Sterling were in the first XI, Sterling assisting Suarez's first goal, and Druissi and Bakkali came off the bench, the latter assisting Suarez's second.

Norwich 0 - 1 Liverpool

A goal after 16 seconds was the only real action, a stunning solo effort from Sturridge. Balanta, Kovacic and Sterling started, and Druissi and Michy came on. This was Michy's last game before turning 22 (meaning I won't specially mention him in the same way as I do the other u-21s).

Southampton 1 - 0 Liverpool

Luck wasn't on our side, as we hit the woodwork twice. Balanta, Sterling and Kovacic started, and Bakkali played 10 minutes off the bench.
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FA Cup

Aston Villa 2 - 4 Liverpool

Skrtel somehow managed to get a hat-trick (two headers and a penalty), despite an early red card for Agger. Rossiter made his first start from injury, along with Druissi, Sterling, Suso and Bakkali, who got an assist.

Europa League

Livorno 0 - 2 Liverpool

Our opponents were a Serie B team who had won the Italian Cup the previous season despite relegation. Balanta, Amado and Druissi started, while Bakkali and Suso came on later on.

Liverpool 3 - 0 Livorno

A young team was enough to secure a comfortable win, with Blanco, Rossiter, Amado, Druissi and Sterling all starting. Balanta came off the bench in his last game as a 21 year old.
 
March/April/May

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Premier League

Liverpool 3 - 1 Swansea

Kovacic played the full 90, assisting Coutinho's goal, and Sterling came off the bench late on.

West Brom 0 - 3 Liverpool

Impressive victory, in a game both Bakkali and Kovacic started. Suarez won man of the match, despite missing a penalty, and Druissi came off the bench.

Liverpool 2 - 2 Cardiff

Took the lead twice, but complacency allowed the Welsh side to claim a last minute equaliser. Suso started, but played poorly, while Sterling came on in replacement.

Stoke 2 - 2 Liverpool

Another two goals for Michy, but same result as last time. This time, we were forced to return from two goals down. Again, Suso started, and Sterling came on.

Liverpool 2 - 2 Fulham

Dear oh dear. Michy seems to be the only player capable of scoring, and the Champions League dream is at real risk, with 5th place Arsenal just a point behind. Kovacic started, and Bakkali came on.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool

An important result in a must-not-lose game. Arsenal's goal frustratingly came right before half time. Suso played the whole match.

Liverpool 2 - 0 Man City

3rd win in 4 games against Man City, with quickfire goals in the second half. Kovacic played, and was replaced by Druissi.

Ipswich 1 - 2 Liverpool

Thankfully this time, a Michy brace didn't result in a 2-2 draw. Ipswich made it tight late on, but we held on, just about. Sterling started, assisting Michy's first. Bakkali came on, as did Chirivella for his first appearance of the season.

Bolton 0 - 0 Liverpool

Kovacic started, and Canos came off the bench for his first appearance of the season. Somewhat expected result, with Bolton still fighting for survival. Unfortunately for them, the draw wasn't good enough, and they were relegated.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Everton

Our Champions League place is secured with a home win to Everton. Kovacic started, with Suso and Sterling coming on.

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Europa League

Liverpool 2 - 0 Stade Rennais

Sterling scored, while Rossiter started. Suso also started, but was sent off for a second yellow card after a dive. Druissi and Kovacic came off the bench, in a game where Stade Rennais also had a man sent off.

Stade Rennais 3 - 2 Liverpool

Kovacic, Blanco, Rossiter and Bakkali all started, with Bakkali scoring. Luckily the overall win came, despite a last minute winner from the French side.

Liverpool 3 - 0 Lazio

A comphrensive win against the Italians who are struggling in Serie A. Kovacic and Sterling both started, with Suso coming off the bench.

Lazio 0 - 4 Liverpool

Rossiter and Kovacic both got an assist, while Bakkali also started. Ojo made his season debut off the bench, and Amado also came on.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Monaco

Crucial not to concede, although we really should have scored at least two. Kovacic was the only U-21 who played, playing the whole 90 minutes.

Monaco 0 - 2 Liverpool

Kovacic was man of the match with a goal and assist, with Sterling also playing the full 90.

FA Cup

Tottenham 1 - 0 Liverpool

Blanco and Kovacic started, with Druissi, Sterling and Bakkali all coming off the bench. Blanco was our best player, making some exceptional saves.
 
Europa League Final


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The big decision here was starting Rossiter over Gerrard, but the youngster was composed, before coming off for Gerrard after 80 minutes. We made the perfect start, with Suarez ending a lengthy goal drought, but Balanta's harsh sending off ended our utter dominance we had been experiencing. Henderson's poor pass back allowed Lille to equalise, and a cynical tackle from Agger in extra time earned him a straight red. We held on until penalties, but Lille were perfect, while Sakho blazed his over the bar.
 
U-21 Stats

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*Ibe, Sinclair and Wilson stats are for their loan clubs (Bournemouth, Ipswich and Real Sociedad respectively).

Special mention to 22 year old Balanta, who helped the club finish with the fewest goals conceded, and made 52 appearances in total, more than any other player, bar Suarez who made 53. Suarez topped the chart for goals scored and assists, while Volland has more man of the match awards than anyone else (7).
 
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