Liverpool Under-23 coach Gary O’Neil believes there is another player in the club’s academy ready to break into Jurgen Klopp’s senior set-up. The former Portsmouth midfielder has been a part of the coaching staff at Kirkby since before the start of the season.
And in that short time, he has seen a number of youngsters promoted into the first team with Klopp unafraid to give academy stars a chance.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams and Caoimhin Kelleher have all started games this season, as the Reds look to retain their Premier League crown.
And O’Neil believes it won’t be long before Owen Beck becomes the latest off the production line at Merseyside.
The left-back is enjoying an impressive season, with his most recent outing seeing him register three assists in a 403 defeat to Tottenham.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Klopp has used a number of youngsters, with the Reds hoping to retain the Premier League title (Image: EXPRESS)
“So to see things like that going on, some of the pleasure the academy staff must get from it, because I know it’s their job to develop players, but some of them go beyond that.
“Some of the staff, they’re there on a Tuesday night working with these kids in the rain when they’re 13.
“People are saying, ‘he’s a bit small’, but these guys are there putting the work in. Now you see the benefits of it.”
Beck will be hoping to follow Jones’ lead, who put in Man of the Match display against Tottenham earlier this month.
Owen Beck has been drafted into first-team training with Jurgen Klopp's squad (Image: GETTY)
“Curtis Jones is unbelievable, isn’t he? He’s gone into the first-team and made it look so easy,” O’Neil added.
“He’s been absolutely fantastic. He’s a great kid as well. He still comes down and watches the Under-23s when his schedule allows him. He’s still fantastic with all the boys.
“To see Rhys go up and play centre-half with the injuries they’ve had… centre-half is an extremely difficult position to play when you’re young.
“You see most of the boys in that position are experienced. Rhys has done fantastically well.”