Back on the lawn for the first time in 18 (!) months

Liverpool U21 – Middlesbrough U21 1-4 (0-0)

Barry Liotta’s men were in fine form ahead of their meeting with Middlesbrough on Sunday, but the afternoon did not turn out the way the Reds would have wanted.

Liverpool obviously started the game better, creating chances after chances in the first half. Goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek didn’t have to be in the cage in play until the end of the first 45.

There was no net recognition, and the score was 0-0 at the break in the academy. In the second half, it was clear for the home team.

Middlesbrough scored two goals shortly after the start of the second half, before adding two more goals in the 73rd and 79th minutes. Thomas Hill reduced the hosts’ lead in extra time.

The result was terrible, but there was also positive news from the Under-21s. Three players have returned from long-term injuries.

Happy return

Great talent Kaede Gordon was one of those finally back in action, 18 (!) months after his last big game.

The winger returned to training with the Under-21s this summer, playing his first minutes in a red shirt since February 2022 against Middlesbrough.

Neil Jones writes on Monday about the happy return of Gordon, who has had pelvic problems for a long time.

“Seeing Gordon in action means this day can only be viewed as a positive. He is an extremely talented player who many may have forgotten.” He writes on Substack.

The 18-year-old has featured for the first team on several occasions, including starting against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final in January 2022.

Paul Glatzel and top scorer Thomas Hill are also back after long-term injuries.