Things are always looking up for Liverpool at the moment. Even when the players are away on international duty, work is still being conducted at the club and Alex Inglethorpe has penned a new deal with the Premier League leaders.
The club announced the signature of the academy director on a long-term deal and he had joined the Merseyside club from Tottenham in 2012. Speaking about the philosophy and direction as to where the club is headed, Inglethorpe said:
“The quality of a football club’s youth system is driven by many factors, but not least by the quality of people involved in it.
“At Liverpool, we are blessed to have superb support throughout: from the commitment of the owners and the first-team management, through to my staff and the young players themselves.
“We have a clear philosophy and direction and that benefits each and every young person who comes into our system at Liverpool.”
The former Tottenham academy director is also planning for the future with the club.
“This part of the industry is ultra-competitive at the moment and it’s important we offer something that sets us apart from our rivals. I think we do that by providing an elite environment and culture, while recognising investment into these young players goes beyond what happens on the training pitch.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and excited at the further progress we can make, thanks in no small part to the backing of our ownership group, Jürgen, the first-team staff and our football operations structure.”
Great work done by Inglethorpe
The Reds have produced a number of fine youngsters over the years. Jurgen Klopp has also seen the likes of Sheyi Ojo, Kevin Stewart and Ovie Ejaria make great headway into the first team squad, while the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Woodburn are close to knocking on the doors of the first team squad.
The Merseyside club is also planning to combine the academy and the first team training facilities to help provide greater access to the youngsters with the main team. Jurgen Klopp had also stated that they are looking to bring in more players from the academy and youth teams before they think about signing new players.
Even Sporting Director, Michael Edwards was ecstatic with the news of the signing and said:
“Alex is rightly recognised as one of the leading figures in youth football, not just in the Premier League, but across Europe.
“It was important, for our stability and continuity, that we moved to secure him for the long-term and it’s highly significant for the club’s future he’s committed to us, without any hesitation.
“He is a strong leader and a brilliant strategist. He has been the architect of providing a clear pathway from the Academy system to the Liverpool first team and a career as a professional footballer.
“The relationship between the Academy and Melwood has never been stronger and that is because, in Jürgen and Alex, we have leaders who are genuinely committed to a youth football programme and player development.
“For the club, it’s fantastic news that we are going to benefit from their vision and expertise for many years to come.”
Hopefully, the Reds will produce more talent in the coming years thanks to this long-term deal with Inglethorpe.
