One For The Future – Liam Coyle
Young midfield prospect Liam Coyle confirmed that he has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool, after impressing heavily for the Liverpool U-18 team this season.
The 17-year old central midfielder has captained the Liverpool youth teams on many occasions and reportedly the Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp is a great admirer of the teenager and he could soon join the line of promising youngsters who have made it to the first team under the German tactician. Having signed his first professional contract with the club just a couple of days ago, he looks set for a long spell with Liverpool.
So who is Liam Coyle? What are his strengths and weaknesses? Let’s find out.
Footballing Background
A graduate of Rainhill High School, Liam has been at the Liverpool academy since the age of 10, after he was spotted playing for his father’s Sunday League team Rail Vikings.
His rise through the youth ranks has been steady and rapid since then and Coyle broke into the Neil Critchley’s Liverpool U-18 side in the 2015-16 season at the age of just 15. Having captained the U-15’s and the U-16’s side before, this season Coyle was handed the captain’s armband for the U-18 side when regular skipper Conor Masterson moved on to the U-23 side.
Style of Play
During his early days at the academy, Coyle was played on either wings and even in the defence, but he went on to switch to the role of a defensive midfielder and has found his home in that position.
Playing as a shield to the back four, the 17-year old is known for his ability to put in some crunching tackles to break up play, which is his primary duty in the team. But the player has shown a cool head and doesn’t dive into rash and silly challenges. Coyle can also slot in at right-back when needed and in fact, that is where he first played when he broke into the U-18 side.
A leader on the field, Coyle is a vocal presence and always strives to lead the team from the front. Someone who idolizes the likes of Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Coyle has demonstrated that he can grow into a fine leader in the coming years.
What Does The Future Hold?
Given that Klopp is a huge proponent of promoting young and upcoming talents into the first team, it might not be very long before the promising 17-year old makes it to the senior team.
Coyle has demonstrated great determination and grit to rise through the ranks rapidly and going by the immense potential that he has shown, Liverpool might have a great talent in their hands.