Liverpool U18s’ road to a potential fifth FA Youth Cup success heads towards the biggest of stages tonight.
Anfield will play host to Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the illustrious competition this evening, in what will be a special occasion.
Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has guided his side throughout an action-packed FA Youth Cup campaign so far, with the Reds scoring 12 goals and conceding just once on their way to the last eight.
First, Sutton United were dealt a 6-0 thumping at the Academy as Liverpool marked their third-round arrival in emphatic fashion and set-up an eye-catching fourth-round showdown with 10-time winners Manchester United.
In Leigh, Tyler Morton’s first-half header was enough to see of a strong United side, who had an extra man after James Norris’ dismissal with over 20 minutes to play.
Leicester City awaited Liverpool at their brand-new training ground in round five, but were no match for the travelling Reds. A dominant 5-1 result earned passage into the quarter-finals to set up this mouth-watering clash with the Gunners.
Bridge-Wilkinson told Liverpoolfc.com: "My final message to the boys will be: don't leave anything out there. Go out there, enjoy the experience, perform and do everything that you can to perform to the best of not only your ability, but as a group."
Who have been Liverpool U18s’ stalwarts this season, and who provides the biggest threat in Arsenal’s ranks? Let’s take a look.
Starting from the back, it’s only fitting to mention current captain, Jarell Quansah, who has helped Liverpool not concede a single open play goal in the Youth Cup so far. The 18-year-old centre-back has played a vital role throughout the 2020/21 campaign, making 25 appearances and being ever-present in the cup journey.
Further up the pitch, Liverpool boast an exciting midfield partnership between James Balagizi and Melkamu Frauendorf.
Balagizi, 17, is a regular fixture in Bridge-Wilkinson’s side and has already featured for the U23s. He consistently produces sparkling skill to create chances and control the tempo, with many Liverpool fans comparing him to Gini Wijnaldum, and he scored an impressive hat-trick in the last round to help down Leicester.
Frauendorf, also 17, arrived from Hoffenheim in the summer with a rising reputation as the Germany U16 captain. He’s showcased applaudable versatility, playing all over the pitch, and while he’s not a key direct contributor to goals, his footballing brain and movement in the final third make him an indispensable member of the squad.
In attack, two stand-out stars are Mateusz Musialowski and Max Woltman. Musialowski has shone this season, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances in both the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup. The 17-year-old flaunts entertaining trickery and lightning-fast pace on the ball, and is another player ever-present in the cup run so far, scoring twice to help kickstart the journey against Sutton.
Woltman, 17, has also had a serious eye for goal this term, recording 12 goals and six assists in 26 U18s appearances. He bagged twice against Leicester in round five and is expected to lead the line again when the Gunners roll into town on Friday.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 protocols, no fans will be in attendance at Anfield. Kick-off is set for 7pm, so be sure to tune in to the Liverpool ECHO’s coverage.
