Carroll's two goals had been two brilliant moments. Really happy to see him score for the first time. If he had come from the academy, that would have been an achievement. And speaking of the academy, that is what really impressed me actually. For the last decade, only Gerrard and Carragher had been the product of the famed Academy. Rafa Benitez multi-cultured the academy with lots of imports. But so far, only Emiliano Insua came close to be on the first-team sheet any other time. Everybody else, the club just buy buy buy. And most are either not up to standards or not given chances for a breakthrough.
Half way through the season with Dalglish in reign, I am glad to see three players from the Academy performed. Mind you its only less than 6 months since King Kenny was in charge. First of all it was Martin Kelly. Till his recent injury, I would say he played with aplomb in every match, Man U included. Then, there is Jay Spearing. Short and stout, but his contribution on the field can be matched with Kuyt's work-horse like stamina. Two starts, and ahead of Joe Cole, it pretty much sums up how he had developed.
Then last night, it was John Flanagan's turn. Flanno, as he was affectionately known, was getting a debut in Anfield and against big spending Manchester City. Came out victor with a 3-0 score. Can't ask much more from an 18 year-old right back, ain't it?
Heck, he didn't even look 18 to me. But hell yea, he played well.
It reminds me of the days when Arsenal had an, well, arsenal of quality left-backs. Ashley Cole, Clichy and then Kieran Gibbs. We currently have Johnson, Kelly and Flanagan. Now that is depth. And two are from the Academy mind you.
Hence, the fans are hopeful that more will turn up. The likes of Pacheco, Bruna and Suso should light up Anfield in the future. Given the chance.
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