Football talent from the local area can populate the Liverpool first team under Brendan Rodgers — who believes finding Scouse stars of the future is a “massive part” of his role as manager.
Two of the Reds’ five European Cups were hoisted aloft by players born on Merseyside, with Phil Thompson and Steven Gerrard lifting the trophy in 1981 and 2005 respectively.
Along with teammate Jamie Carragher, the latter has also formed the backbone of modern Liverpool — captaining the side since 2003.
And Rodgers is determined to maintain a local presence in his starting XI, something he insists will not be difficult considering the historic production line in Liverpool.
“My big thing is getting in young players in here from the local area, here in Liverpool, from Liverpool,” said the boss. “If you look at the history here — the Carragher, the Gerrard, the [Steve] McManaman, the [Robbie] Fowler, the [Michael Owen] — and you name me the best two players in England in the last six or seven years?
“Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney — they’re Scousers. One is from that part of the city and the other from that part. So you are not telling me there are not top young talents in Liverpool.
“It is sexy to look in Spain and I am one who loves working with European players, and I love working with the talents and all my life I have worked with players from different parts of the world.
“But we mustn’t forget what is on our doorstep and, for me, this is a hotbed for footballers who have a passion, hunger and incredible qualities. That is a massive part of my job and something we are trying to put in place.”
