1 It's a glimpse into the future. Reds fans who regularly watch the Under-23s are a step ahead in terms of assessing the next generation of potential LFC stars being nurtured by Liverpool FC Academy director Alex Inglethorpe and his staff. By attending U23 fixtures at Anfield or Prenton Park you might just be witnessing the progress of the next Gerrard, Carragher, Fowler or Owen!

2 Exciting changes have taken place. The departure of former U23s boss Mick Beale for a new role as assistant-manager at Sao Paulo in Brazil showed just how much good work was going on at Kirkby. The U23s are now coached by Mike Garrity, who's worked with various age-groups at the Academy for a decade. He says: “The players we have are here for a reason: because they are talented. We then ask them: have they now got the attitude or the mentality to push on and make the most of that ability?”

3 Jürgen Klopp gives youth a chance. Several U23 youngsters have featured for the first team since he arrived at Anfield in October 2015 – Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ovie Ejaria and Ben Woodburn to name but three – and he takes a keen interest in their development. And a certain Mr Gerrard is now back at the place where it all began. Alex Inglethorpe notes: “If I was to pick one individual who embodies the characteristics and values we are looking to instil into our organisation at Kirkby, it would be Steven Gerrard. For him to have been so enthusiastic about being part of what we are looking to do is simply great news for everyone connected to the club.”