Many Liverpool fans may not even realize our youngsters are taking part in the Papa Johns Trophy, but Layton Stewart has discussed the unique challenge the tournament offers.
Speaking to the club’s website, the 20-year-old said: “It’s different because we are playing against older players, which brings a different challenge.
“There is a crowd there, they are mostly against you and it is a tough challenge against the older players.
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“It’s different for the guys and it gives us a different vision of what we need to do if we go out on loan and move forward in our careers.”
The format of pitting an Under-21 team against senior teams from the lower leagues will no doubt have its critics, as many of the Premier League’s academy teams don’t necessarily do too well in competition.
From a commercial point of view, you can understand why League One and League Two clubs would have opted for this, as supporters will no doubt be drawn to see a Liverpool team, whether it is made up of children or not. .
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Playing every game away from home is certainly a handicap for the youngsters too, but it will provide everyone with invaluable experience at a higher level.
More fans, more physicality and more pressure will help some players thrive and it’s something that can help coaches see where their development is.
As we have also sent so many players on loan this summer, it is clearly a good idea of which players are ready for the step up.
After a goal against Salford City in the previous outing, Scouser will be hoping to add to his tally in the next game against Rochdale.
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