UNBELIEVABLE: Liverpool signed world best youngster in club-record breaking deal
A number of Liverpool players were included in FourFourTwo’s Top 100 Young Players of 2001; however, the list has not dated well.
During the Premier League era, Liverpool’s academy has produced a number of exceptional athletes. Steven McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, and Steven Gerrard were all renowned for their contributions to the Reds after they emerged on the scene in the 1990s.
In the present day, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Caoimhin Kelleher are significant members of the senior squad, having graduated from the academy.
Nevertheless, the Reds’ academy has not always been the “gold mine” it may be today. Gerrard’s status as the final graduate to establish himself as a primary first-team player was frequently lamented during the noughties.
Liverpool’s failure to discover the next Gerrard, Owen, or Carragher was perplexing to observers, given the fruitful nineties and Manchester United’s class of ’92. Ultimately, it necessitated numerous administrative adjustments, including those implemented by Brendan Rodgers and Rafa Benitez, for the Reds to regain their footing under Klopp.
However, Liverpool’s barren run did not prevent the club from fielding a number of highly-rated youth players who ultimately failed to meet expectations. The list of the 100 greatest players in international football in 2001, compiled by FourFourTwo, serves as an excellent illustration of this.
The list included six Reds players, all of whom were ranked in the top 40, with two of them ranking in the top 10. In the interim, the best five would consist of three future Liverpool players, while the overall contingent would be augmented by one future academy signing, bringing the total to 10. However, upon reflection, only one of those individuals can truly assert that they were one of the most exceptional personalities of their era.
Several of the most impressive athletes of the 21st century are included in the list. However, the trajectory we are about to take is evident when you consider that 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, who won both the World Cup and Champions League during his illustrious playing career, only placed 95th.
Kaka, congratulations! In 2001, you were ranked higher than Alexander Hleb, David Prutton, Erdal Kilicaslan, Daniyel Cimen, and Benjamin Auer. We are also unable to recall the latter triumvirate, so there is no need for concern. Regrettably, Shaun Maloney and Kieran Richardson secured positions 100-91, surpassing the renowned Brazilian.
Breaking into the 1980s, we have our first prospective Liverpool player. Ramon Calliste. In 2003, he was the FA Youth Cup champion of Manchester United. However, he departed the Red Devils in 2005 to join the Reds, where he was the leading goalscorer of the reserves in 2005/06.
After only one season, the Welshman joined Scunthorpe United at the recommendation of national team manager John Toshack. However, he suffered a severe ankle dislocation during his preseason debut. He was unable to fulfil his early potential as a result of the injury, which compelled him to retire from the game.
As we progress down the list, the names of Dimitar Berbatov (82nd), Michael Essien (78th), and Cherno Samba (71st), the legendary Championship Manager, are readily apparent.
Liverpool was once in negotiations to acquire the striker from Millwall, and they even submitted a £1.5m bid. However, they were unable to reach an agreement with the Lions. Samba’s potential was never realised as a result of the failed transfer to Anfield, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Samba would eventually transfer to Cadiz in Spain, and he would also play for Malaga B, Plymouth Argyle, Wrexham, Haka, Panetolikos, and FK Tonsberg. However, an injury forced him to retire prematurely at the age of 29 in July 2015.
Next on the roster is Matteo Brighi, who was previously affiliated with Juventus, in the 70th position. In FIFA 2003, he was the highest-rated player with an extraordinary rating of 97, a bizarre turn of events for another video game legend. Ronaldo (Brazilian, not Cristiano) is the sole player in the game’s history to have been rated higher than EA. Regrettably, not in 2002/03, despite the fact that he had just won the Ballon d’Or and starred at the World Cup.
Yes, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo (Cristiano, not Brazilian) are “worse” than Brighi from a virtual perspective. In any case, Juventus would transfer the midfielder to Parma that summer, as injuries prevented him from fulfilling his full potential.