James Balagizi of Liverpool gets past Johnny Fitzgerald of Sutton United. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
18-year-old James Balagizi has started seven of eight league games for Crawley Town this season. The Manchester-born midfielder made a loan move to the Sussex club from Liverpool earlier this summer. The youngster made the loan switch to Crawley after signing a new contract with Liverpool.
Balagizi is an extremely versatile player as he can play any of the midfield roles as well as take charge of the flanks. Primarily though, the management at the Academy deploys him as an Attacking Midfielder. Balagizi was part of the side that reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2020-21.
Speaking of his move to Crawley to Liverpool Echo, he mentioned the influence of the team’s head coach Kevin Betsy who managed Balagizi across England’s age-group setups. Apart from that, Betsy has had a good start to life in new colours, scoring three and assisting one goal from ten
appearances.“That was the main factor in me coming here and because I had that relationship with him (Betsy). I knew he had my best interests at heart. I felt like I could develop here, coming away from Liverpool is all about getting the right development, and being with him can help.”
Even though Balagizi has not had any senior appearances for Liverpool, last season saw him on the bench in two fixtures. He was part of the squad that beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. He also appeared on the bench against Norwich City in the EFL Cup game the Reds won 3-0.
A boyhood Manchester City fan, Balagizi joined the Reds’ pre-academy at the age of six. At that age, players can train with multiple clubs until they turn nine. He progressed to train with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. At 11, he made the switch to Liverpool and reasons it to the chances the Reds gave young players.
“I supported Manchester City growing up, but the more I read and learned about Liverpool and the longer I’ve been there, the more you realise just how special the club is. It was so inspiring for a young kid and a family to see Liverpool was always a club looking to give opportunities to young players. That’s why I came here, I’ve loved it ever since and it’s the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life.”
The youngster would like to emulate the success the likes of Harvey Elliott and Harry Wilson have had during their loan spells. He has been widely tipped for a bright future. He could see a first-team debut for Liverpool sooner than later in case he racks up consistent performances for Crawley.
The starlet, much like Liverpool’s first-team midfielders, is injury prone. Nevertheless, he has a long career ahead of him. Jurgen Klopp has shown at Liverpool that if a youngster is good enough, he will get a chance.
All Balagizi needs to do is keep working hard each week and hopefully, in the future, we see him playing for our senior team.
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