Liverpool's academy has produced some incredible players during the Premier League era, but not all have lived up to expectations. This article takes a look at FourFourTwo's Top 100 Young Players of 2001, featuring six Reds players, and examines the careers of those who didn't quite make it.
The List
- Djibril Cisse (AJ Auxerre)
- Andres D'Alessandro (River Plate)
- Leandro Bonfim (Vitoria/PSV Eindhoven)
- Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
- Jermaine Pennant (Arsenal)
- Rafael van der Vaart (Ajax)
Players Who Didn't Quite Make It
- Chris Kirkland: Signed from Coventry City in 2001, he became the most expensive keeper in British transfer history at 20 years old. However, injuries derailing his time at Anfield.
- Dean Ashton: Placed 36th, he struggled with injuries and mental health issues.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Placed 35th, he had a successful career but not with Liverpool.
- Gregory Vignal: Joined Liverpool in 2000, but a fractured foot ruled him out of the 2001/02 season.
- John Welsh: Once tipped to be the next Gerrard, he made just 10 appearances for the Reds.
- Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle: Both signed by Liverpool in 2001, they remained on loan at Le Havre for two more years before moving on.
The Rest
The list includes a number of players who didn't quite live up to expectations, such as Kaka, Shaun Maloney, and Kieran Richardson.
Conclusion
Take nothing for granted. Just because a player is highly-rated as a youngster, that is by no means a guarantee they will enjoy a career as a world-beater. Fortunately for Liverpool, their Academy is a little more accomplished these days.
