‘EXCELLENT’ youngster given Liverpool captain’s armband for the first time vs Bologna

Liverpool’s youth setup have been flying this year, with their development continuing to take big steps under new head coach Arne Slot.

Many young players got blooded in under former boss Jurgen Klopp and the team are currently reaping the benefits. Recently, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah have been mainstays in the first team squad, the pair deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, respectively, in the League Cup game against West Ham.

Read more: Liverpool to steal ‘MONSTER’ Virgil van Dijk replacement from Manchester United

And today Jack Lusby is reporting that 17-year old Amara Nallo is captaining the under-19’s side in their UEFA Youth League game against Bologna.

Big day for Amara Nallo (17) who captains #LFC for the first time.

Comes despite the likes of Josh Davidson and Michael Laffey being in the side.

Strong XI, should be an exciting game. https://t.co/euBD6FvYAn

— Jack Lusby (@LusbyJack) October 2, 2024

This comes with standout starlet Trey Nyoni – who captained the side in their first Youth League game against AC Milan – reportedly facing a call-up to the first team matchday squad for a Champions League match for the first time.

Nallo is a really exciting player who has been described as ‘excellent‘ by U21s coach Barry Lewtas in the past.

The Youth League is the youth equivalent of the Champions League, with youth teams facing the same fixtures that their senior counterparts do also. The under-19’s battled to a 0-0 draw in that game against Milan’s youth team two weeks ago.

Nallo opened the scoring on his last appearance in a 3-0 win over Arsenal’s under-21 side. He was joined in the goal scoring efforts that day by Tyler Morton, a player who has seen more first-team squad action under head coach Slot.

Morton reportedly faced interest from Bayer Leverkusen recently, with the Reds not too keen to let the player go out on loan again. Instead, they preferred for their £20m permanent valuation to be met if the youngster was to leave.

Nallo is joined in the starting XI today by fellow standout Rio Ngumoha, who only arrived last month from Chelsea. Together, the pair make for an extremely exciting set of prospects as Liverpool look to shift their top-level youngsters up the pecking order.

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Thomas Clark

I’m Thomas Clark, from the ever-sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. At 47, my life’s not your usual nine-to-five grind; I’m the voice behind the screen at FC Soccer News. My days are a mix of passion and professionalism as I weave words for the love of the game. University of Arizona’s where I honed my skills, but the real education came from the hours spent in local cafes, my eyes glued to my laptop, and my mind playing the field.

Soccer’s not just my beat—it’s the rhythm to my life. I analyze plays with a tactical mind and share insights that cut through the noise. Outside work, my appetite for adventure is as strong as a striker’s kick. The chef in me loves experimenting in the kitchen, and when the hiking trails call my name, I answer with boots laced tight. I’ve got music in my bones, and you’ll often find me lost in the melodies of a well-strummed guitar.

Away from the adrenaline of sports and the hum of daily life, my world orbits around my family. Dinner tables are our huddles, where laughter and stories bounce around like a well-played ball. Weekends are sacred—reserved for family bike rides and movie marathons, where I pass down my love for classics to my two bright kids. Parenthood’s more rewarding than any byline, and it’s taught me the true value of teamwork. My wife is my rock, my steady defender, offering unwavering support through every deadline and draft. Together, we’ve built a life that’s as dynamic as the games I cover—a blend of commitment, joy, and the unending chase of a story worth telling.