Belief from Brendan Rodgers is the crucial element which has allowed a number of youngsters to enjoy a first-team opportunity, according to Rodolfo Borrell.
The U-21s coach has watched former charges Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom feature in the Reds’ starting XI on a consistent basis this season.
Such success has engendered an atmosphere of hope and motivation at the Academy, with Borrell of the opinion that the boss’ willingness to give young players a chance is vital.
“If he didn’t believe in the youngsters, it would be really difficult — some lads would go through, but not so many,” Borrell explained to Liverpoolfc.com.
“We have to consider that and be thankful that the first-team manager is giving the lads so many opportunities,” added the Spaniard, whose U-21s are unbeaten in league football in 2012-13.
“I have to say that for the same reason that he is pleased with the work that is being done and we are doing here, I am also really pleased to have him as a manager.
“I always said that you can develop, you can do many things at the Academy, but you need to have a person in the first team who has such a belief in the youngsters.”
With the likes of Conor Coady, Adam Morgan and Jack Robinson also earning experience with the senior team, Borrell could not be happier with the manager’s policies.
“It’s a matter for us to put all the effort in order to make the lads ready,” continued the former Barcelona youth coach.
“At least when they get the possibility to go to Melwood and join the first-team squad for training sessions that they get in there with the right tempo, the right mentality, with the same style and understanding of the whole thing. That is very important.
“Obviously the next step is giving them a chance to perform for our first team, [which] depends only on our first-team coach.”
