Sporting Lisbon 3, Liverpool 0: A Tough Test For the Academy

By: Noel | August 17th, 2011

Sporting Lisbon 3 Joao Teixeira 26′, Alberto Coelho 37′, Farley Rosa 86′
Liverpool 0

Liverpool Starting XI
Belford
Wisdom, McGiven, Sama, Robinson
Coady, Shelvey, Silva, Suso, Sterling
Morgan

Substitutes
Adorjan for Shelvey 59′
King for Robinson 59′
Ngoo for Morgan 59′

The NextGen Series was always about pitting some of Europe’s most promising academies against the best, and for Liverpool, coming up against the academy that won the Portuguese youth championships five years in a row and is widely considered amongst the best youth set-ups on the continent was setting the bar awfully high right out of the gate.

In the end, while the 3-0 scoreline was more than a touch unflattering in light of Liverpool’s at times quite impressive play, it still clearly signaled that for all the good work done in recent years, the revitalised academy isn’t quite at the point where they can speak of themselves in the same breath as the likes of Barcelona, Ajax, and Sporting Lisbon. Still, they aren’t that far off. They certainly aren’t as far off as the final tally might indicate. And on another day, had Sterling, Suso, and Adorjan been just a touch sharper in front of goal, it’s even possible that they would have come out of the first round of the NextGen group stage with a draw.

The match started with Conor Coady captaining the side as usual, despite the inclusion of Jonjo Shelvey, who stepped down from the first team to get a spell of match action and the chance to stamp his authority against what should have been a weaker opponent than those he usually faces with Liverpool. More surprising than Shelvey’s inclusion, though, was that he started out the match in the most advanced midfield role, while the more flashy Suso sat deeper in a holding role alongside Coady. It wasn’t a particularly effective tweaking of expectation, with Suso looking out of place and Shelvey failing to have any kind of positive influence on the game whatsoever.

Despite that, Liverpool started well enough—or perhaps Sporting was simply nervous. Whatever the case, for the first fifteen minutes or so Liverpool’s youngsters looked set on confirming their press clippings from the past year, passing the ball around slickly and maintaining possession. However, they faced up against the same failing that has befallen the senior side so often in recent years: An inability to turn generally strong play into consistently good chances while then failing to convert any chances that do present themselves.

In short, they were wasteful, a theme that would continue until the final whistle while Sporting found their legs, grew back into the match, and showed that at least one of the academies on display could finish with the best of them. Watching Teixeira work a slick, training ground one-two with Alberto Coelho—with a back-heel thrown in for good measure—on the edge of the box to put Sporting up 1-0, then seeing Jack Robinson get embarrassed at left back as he chased the ball and left the wing wide open for the Sporting break before a low cross was coolly slotted into the bottom of the net by Coelho, it became clear that even if the Portuguese side wasn’t going to completely dominate the game, they were going to make the most of any chances they did get.

Moving Suso into his more natural advanced role towards the end of the first half settled Liverpool down again after being sliced and diced by a fully awake Sporting had shaken them, and the young Spaniard should have pulled a goal back almost immediately on a centered ball from the typically lively Raheem Sterling. Instead, Suso ballooned it high over the crossbar as he stood unmarked at the penalty spot. Meanwhile on the right, Tony Silva was true to form, mixing brilliant individual moments with wasteful selfishness in equal measure. He too might well have pulled Liverpool right back into the game on a handful of occasions, but just as often he ignored unmarked teammates who would have had good chances on goal had he passed to them instead of losing the ball going up against two or three defenders.

Liverpool came out for the second half fired up, but another dominating start didn’t lead to much of anything in front of goal and Sporting once again began to settle themselves and pass it around sharply, making the Liverpool defenders chase and tire. Taking off Shelvey, Robinson, and Morgan for Adorjan, King, and Ngoo, however, put Liverpool firmly back in control, and with the chances Liverpool missed in amongst their largely dominant play in the second half, as the match wound down it seemed as though a 2-2 draw would have been a fair reflection of the run of play.

Instead, Sporting substitute Rosa once again showed off the Portuguese academy’s deadly finishing, curling a wonder-strike into the top corner on 86 minutes to seal a 3-0 victory for the visitors. And in the end, just as it had been in the first, that was the biggest difference: Sporting was sharp and took their chances brilliantly, while Liverpool just couldn’t put the pieces together when they got in and around the 18-yard box despite long stretches where they controlled the game. It would be hard to argue that Sporting weren’t better on the whole, but away from the eighteen-yard box it was a mater of degrees rather than of domination, and with a touch more sharpness all around for Liverpool it could easily have been a different story.

Somewhat surprisingly, too, it was Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Robinson—the two Liverpool players with the most first team experience—who put in by far the most disappointing shifts. With “If he’s good enough, he’s old enough” talk swirling this summer when it comes to Jack Robinson and John Flanagan, Liverpool’s two young starlets at fullback, the past five days have served as something of a reminder that both players are in fact pretty damn young to be in contention for regular first team minutes, and that as promising as they seem they may at present be some distance from being good enough, too.

At the other end of the spectrum, Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom continued to show they aren’t that far away from having their names added to the discussion, while Suso, McGiven, Adorjan, and Ngoo all had promising stretches, as did Tony Silva—at least when he wasn’t displaying that frustrating selfishness he’s shown since arriving at Liverpool.

So in the end it’s back to talking about the game being a good experience; a learning experience. And in the end it was, with a lot of positives for the academy and players to take away from it. Sharpness in the final third and in front of goal, however, may need just a bit of work before they face off against Norway’s Molde on the seventh of September.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Champions League, Match Recaps

« Preview & Matchday: Liverpool U19s v. Sporting Lisbon U19s | Home | Young Fullbacks and the Need to Deliver Now »

Gally

Love the raw enthusiasm on here. U guys clearly care, which is fantastic to read. Maybe hold back a bit on the lengthy tactical treatises though...y'know, until the conversations don't reveal surprise at a potential transfer target's manc history? Actually, I'm just being a condescending twat....sorry, encroaching middle age makes me a dick sometimes.
Ed

Well mostly everyone here is either a dick or condescending twat, so you're at least in good company.
redtrev73

Well if we're all lining up to call ourselves names i may as well join in...I'm such an asshole. Oddly liberating, that...thanks Gally.
Jay Wright

Don't think that they're exclusive, most of us tend to be a bit of both...
Jake_LFC

No disrespect to you as we all are entitled to opinions, but, among other things, the frequent appearance of lengthy tactical treatises is the main reason I come to this website. I doubt there is anywhere else on the internet today where one can read a well thought-out discussion of Liverpool U19's tactics, and for that I applaud you, Noel, as well as the entire writing staff.
Avinash Joshi

I want to sign that petition though I live in India. Anyone who wants to sign once more can use my email if "avinashmaheshjoshi@gmail.com" for signing again. I will confirm it.
Avinash Joshi

Atleast someone tell me it is not possible. I was waiting you know.
Ismael Jawad

Completely off-topic, but simply goes to show how fortunate we are with the new owners and all that. Feeling kinda sorry for Everton..

http://peoplesgroup.wordpress....

According to Bill Kenwright, John Henry could be willing to discuss the possibility of a shared stadium.
Ryan

These reality checks about our precious young fullbacks are depressing. I really hope that our negligence to buy proper experienced cover in the fullback position the past 2 years didn't just make our lads go Bojan on us.
Red2death

I'm not sure Kenny, or even Rafa for that matter, would really want traditional fullbacks. The way they set their team up, the flank players work as one unit, attacking and defending together, overlapping all the time. Not as much distinction between the fullback and the 'winger'.

So, Flanno being exposed against Sunderland was a failure of the entire right flank, not just him. It's not ideally resolved by replacing him with an experienced traditional fullback, because that player wouldn't work as well in the system. He wouldn't link up with his midfield counterpart as well, wouldn't overlap as well, wouldn't be as comfortable as Flanno is all the way up in the final third. When the flank players are regrouping, the cover provided by the central defenders is just as important, as well as guys like Lucas and Adam drifting wide to pressure from midfield - of course the latter being a bit of a liability in that respect. You could argue that a replacement for Carra is just as important as 'fullback' cover.

Enrique fits in because he really isn't a traditional fullback. He would have fit nicely into Rafa's team too (not just cause he's Spanish). And he'll fit into the 4231 style that our entire academy is getting used to. I'm sure Kenny and Comolli recognize the weakness down our sides. It's not easy to identify the right players out there who fit the system. Experience is just one factor to consider. If they see the right player, they'll go for him. And if not, we'll just have to stick with what we've got. At least now they have actual funds to spend so they don't have to settle for their fifth choice target. That's a huge improvement from Rafa's time.
Ryan

I was mainly referring to Flanagan and Robinson's entry into the first team as being premature rather than poor, if that's what you think I meant. Whether it be a traditional fullback or attack minded wingback, poor work in the transfers left us with a very-very injury prone Fabio Aurelio as the only leftback squad member available last Spring.

They showed their quality in the Manchester City and Arsenal games last year, but it would really suck if it stunted their development. That's why I referred to it as "going Bojan". Bojan was obviously a very skilled player, but he was forced into the first team too quickly, and after a few good performances and then having a few hiccups, it was impossible for him to go back to Barca B it seemed and then he spent his most important years not playing football. Bojan was definitely not ready to bang in 30 goals like Messi. Flanagan was definitely not ready to protect the right flank by himself. Henderson was definitely not ready to start and ugghgergstdghfchaertyude.

I guess it's not exactly "depressing", but the way some people held them in such high regard because of last season would make one think we had 2 new Gerrards on our flanks, and it sucks that the real world isn't FIFA 11.

I think we have the fullback positions pretty well covered now, unless Kenny really thinks we need 2 attacking rightbacks (rumour has it that Kelly is supposed to become a center back one of these days). but Enrique and Johnson start, and Aurelio and Kelly back up. Flanagan and Robinson should be a most certain third choice, not starting against Sunderland at the first game of the season.
Red2death

I agree. Kenny's selection for Sunderland was surprising to say the least. Henderson starting, Flanno starting. Adam straight in (at least his play ended up justifying that). Meireles and Kuyt out. Enrique in - though I guess that was somewhat forced last minute.

We can only guess at what he must see during training to have that much faith in the kids.

It'll be good to get in maybe one or two more quality players. Central defence is definitely a priority, and then maybe left back (again), because if anything happens to Enrique it's a hole again. One more quality striker would be good too. I have my doubts over Carroll staying fit the whole season. Or playing Kuyt more often as a striker would work.

Ok now I'm rambling.
Jay Wright

tbh, I agreed with Flanagan starting at right back seeing as Kelly was pretty shocking in pre-season and should be groomed for a centre back berth asap.

On the other hand, I was hoping to see Aquilani rewarded for his pre-season form, but not particularly shocked to see him dropped for Henderson - although I was admittedly disappointed to see Henderson taking up a role out wide rather than in a central three.

The full back positions are fine with Aurelio and Insua/Robinson backing up Enrique and Flanagan/Kelly backing up Johnson on the other side. As soon as Downing is out, we have no specialist wide men though. Suarez, Gerrard & even Kuyt can fulfil wide forward roles in a 433, but none of them have genuine pace and Downing alone will naturally stretch the play away from the centre of the pitch, so that would be my main priority along with bringing in a new CB (rather than another striker where Carroll, Suarez and Kuyt are all very capable of leading the line in a 433/4231).

And there's me rambling on about my favourite topic of the importance of wingers again...
Avinash Joshi

ha ha yeah another winger is essential after a center back. And nice try, saying our strikers line up is one of the best in epl a few days back on the mailbox. The reaction you generated was quite funny.
Jay Wright

So ur another one of those that failed to learn reading comprehension eh Avinash. Either that or u just don't undertand how a 3 forward system works. Just because the mailbox compiler decides to publish a bunch of nonsensical responses to try to have a little laugh, that does not make those posts any more valid than mine.

Ignoring the fact that they all look to be past their prime, have a think to urself as to how a lineup starting Drogba, Torres and Anelka together would work.
Then the suggested front 3 for Man City was Dzeko, Tevez/Aguero & Balotelli. Even assuming that Dzeko and Tevez (or Aguero) are better than Carroll and Suarez, the difference wouldn't be that large and surely Gerrard has proven himself to be equally superior to Balotelli right??

As I said, the versatility of Man U's front 3 makes them tops, and City may be slightly ahead of us now but my point stands in that we are capable of putting out an elite level front 3.
Avinash Joshi

lol, I did not mean to say what you said was funny. I actually quite agree with you. I said the reaction was funny. I am sorry if it came out wrong. I actually quite enjoy your mails.
Jay Wright

Ok, my apologies Avinash - I thought that u were just another one taking the piss that I'd dare talk up any aspect of our team, irrespective of the rationale behind the argument...
Tropics Red

Meireles had only played a half since an injury, so that was less suprising than Kuyt omission. I would have thought the occasion of playing your league debut against your old team would have meant Kenny leave Hendo out to protect him fom it all.
Gryffin

Who would you guys rather see go to Liverpool, Cahill or Shawcross?
Jay Wright

I'm still yet to see anything to make me believe that Shawcross is any better than our own Martin Kelly.

On another topic, I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else but I really do think that Liverpool would be wise to include Kelly as a sweetener for a Cahill deal (along with Ngog). That way we'd get to save money on the deal, convince Bolton that they're not left with a glaring hole in their team this year, and see Kelly get the experience that he needs in his natural position (he's wouldn't really going to get many games behind Agger, Cahill, Carragher + Skrtel & Soto in a team with no European obligations is he...) to return as a player capable of replacing Carragher/Skrtel/Soto next year.
Tropics Red

Cahill, but would prefer Hummels. Or Subotic. Shame we got rid of that Spanish lad Mikel San Jose, he looks to be delivering no his early promise.
Jay Wright

Or Coates...
Jay Wright

Or even Hangelaand for that matter - if the price isn't too high for a player with about 2-4 years of high level football left in him... (assuming that trophies and short term success remain more important than resale value to some people?)
Guest

Either is fine with me, so long as we purchase Subotic from Dortmund next summer once we qualify for the Champions League.
Ryan

Hummels!!!! Unless you're holding out for an epic battle of the Serbs at Old Trafford, eh eh?
Guest

Maybe you know more than I do, as I am not sure whether one is discernibly better than the other. I just know Hummels or Subotic would be a nice addition to our centerback depth chart
Ryan

Oh, totally agreed. Either one would be fantastic. and that was not meaning to be argumentative, just in case you thought that. I just got excited when I noticed we were talking about something I knew about. I've got some German friends that get me a fair share of some Bundesliga, but that might also lead to more of a bias towards Hummels.

But since this is the Liverpool offside, how about we see how he does against our very own...:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...
Guest

My apologies, as I can see how my comment appeared a bit cold. I didn't interpret your comment as argumentative in the slightest. And as far as bias is concerned, I'm American and Subotic is a natural born citizen of the USA (and might be playing for the USMNT if the U-20 coach was less of a fool, from what I understand), so perhaps that is why I favor him over Hummels.

Really wish I could watch more Bundesliga, as it is a league filled with parity and has some quality players. Unfortunately I don't have ESPN3 anymore, but I hope to watch plenty of Subotic and Hummels in the Champions League.
Avinash Joshi

You should definetly watch bundesliga. If you are not a big fan of defense, and love loads of goals in a game(I personally do enjoy a good solid defensive performance but I love goals too so..) then bundesliga is awesome. I sometimes get the feeling in bundesliga that one team lets the other team attack and defend near their penalty box then picks it up from there and then other team lets this team attack. Err.. I am not really sure I have been clear in explaining but hope you understand.
Guest

Understand completely. I love careless attacking football as well, though of course when our Reds are playing I like to see some solid defense.

I think my favorite football match to watch every four years is the third-place match of the World Cup. Its really the only time you get to watch two truly powerful teams throw caution to the wind and try to score goals at will. That Uruguay-Germany match was solid entertainment, and sort of made up for the violent Spain-Netherlands final (and I will never forgive De Jong for trying to murder Xabi. Ever).
Gryffin

you dont have espn3? all of espn3 is broadcasted on espn's website, thats why its ESPN3.
Gryffin

its "on demand" too
Guest

Used to have it, but don't have it where I live now, unfortunately. Certain internet service providers don't carry ESPN3, for whatever reason.
Ryan

I'll take either (totally answers your question, I know). It's very hard to decide. I would say Cahill, just because he is more developed as a player, but they both have the same amount of premier league experience. I understand that Shawcross is Stoke City captain at the moment, but does that really show enough leadership skills in the backline to displace Carragher? If so, he might be a better option than Cahill, who (I'd assume) is taking answers from Paul Robinson (please enter, our Bolton Wanderers expert to tell us whats what).

Well there's your crystal clear answer from me. All I know is that we need someone to BE Carragher, not listen to him. Agger and Skrtel can be his bitches.
Noel

Mertesacker. But if I can only choose from the two of them, it's Cahill, easily. Better on the ball and fewer broken legs.
Tropics Red

Isn't Mertesackers stock reducing in Germany wheras Hummels and Subotics rising?
Zach

yeah man, Hummels and Subotic are stellar for Dortmund although Subotic has been injured the last 2 weeks. If we got Hummels next year or 2 years from now once we're back in the CL it'd be amazing.
RwandanRed

If Shawcross were to swear an oath of allegiance to break the legs of atleast one Man Utd player...but since i assume he can't and won't seeing he once played for the Mancs, then i will go with Cahill any time.
Ryan

He was a Manc? Oh shit. Cahill. Definitely Cahill.