Both Merseyside clubs are know for their world class academies, which have produced dozens of England greats between them. Reds boss Klopp and his predecessor Rodgers have been more than willing to give youth the chance to shine, but it’s Martinez who’s excelled in this area.
Under the guidance of the Catalan, homegrown talent Ross Barkley has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top attacking midfielders and an integral part of the current England setup. Although former Barnsley man John Stones isn’t an academy product, Martinez’s nurturing influence has seen him emerge as the most sought-after young defender in England.
Then there’s Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning, young defenders who hint at a time in the not-too-distant future when haemorrhaging goals is not longer the Blues’ biggest problem. And let’s not forget that Lukaku is just 22 years of age and Deulofeu 21.
Although Liverpool have more than their fair share of emerging and already established youngsters – Emre Can, Joe Gomez, and Divock Origi to name a handful – the likes of Lukaku, Barkley and Stones would walk into virtually any starting XI.
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