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Dunn: Anfield factor could be key — U21 semi-final play-off v ManUtd

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    Dunn: Anfield factor could be key — U21 semi-final play-off v ManUtd

    2nd May 2014 - Steve Hunter
    LiverpoolFC.com

    Jack Dunn believes the Anfield factor could be a big advantage for Liverpool U21s as they look to avenge their Old Trafford defeat last season when Manchester United arrive for the national semi-final play-off on Friday night.

    Last season, this evening's visitors downed the young Reds 3-0 in the last four of the Barclays U21 Premier League play-offs, before going on to become national champions after overcoming Tottenham Hotspur.

    Kick-off at Anfield is at 7.45pm BST; tickets for the Kop are available to purchase now, while the game will also be broadcast live on LFC TV and LFCTV GO from 7.15pm.

    Alex Inglethorpe's side finished second in the league and head into this tie in fine form after firing 55 goals in 21 games this term.

    Dunn came off the bench during last season's Old Trafford loss; the 19-year-old Scouser therefore explained why the players cannot wait to step out at Anfield once again.

    "This year it's a totally different team and we have a younger team," the attacker told Liverpoolfc.com.

    "I think the home advantage is a big thing for us this time and hopefully we can put one over United.

    "It's been magnificent for us to play a few games at Anfield this season. That is where you want to play, week in, week out.

    "We have played excellent football this season and to get the opportunity to play at Anfield - the home advantage against United - I think that's a massive confidence boost for the lads if we get a good turnout.

    "We've been working so hard, we are together as a group and we are desperate to try and become national champions. We have got a lot of confidence and we want to beat United and go all the way to the final now."

    Dunn was also quick to point out his gratitude to coach Inglethorpe, who he feels has helped his game flourish this season.

    The Kirkby graduate has fired 10 goals in a new central attacking role throughout the campaign and is the top scorer for the U21s.

    He was called up to the first-team squad for last Sunday's Anfield clash with Chelsea and, despite not making the bench, warmed up with Steven Gerrard and co before kick-off.

    He added: "Alex has helped me a lot this season. He has added different aspects to my game, like making more intelligent runs in behind the opposition.

    "I have played in a few different positions this season and I'm trying to grasp the position of a No.9, which I think is my favourite position because I'm scoring goals and I'm contributing to the team.

    "I do feel my game has really come on leaps and bounds under Alex. I know there is still a lot of hard work to do but I'm really grateful to Alex and he's a great coach to work under."

    #2
    Preview: 'It's our job to imitate first team'

    2 May 2014 — Author: Steve Hunter
    LiverpoolFC.com

    The relentless attacking football implemented by Brendan Rodgers at Anfield has acted as a major inspiration for the Reds' U21s team this season, according to Alex Inglethorpe.

    On Friday, the coach takes his Academy youngsters into a Barclays U21 Premier League semi-final clash with Manchester United on the back of a campaign which has featured 55 goals in just 21 outings.

    Kick-off at Anfield is at 7.45pm BST; tickets for the Kop are available to purchase now, while the game will also be broadcast live on LFC TV and LFCTV GO from 7.15pm.

    Ahead of the encounter, Inglethorpe reflected on how he and his players are inspired by Rodgers' approach and the footballing philosophy the Northern Irishman has installed at the club.

    "I think it's a very clear philosophy that runs from the top," he explained to Liverpoolfc.com.

    "We've got incredible mentors and fantastic people to look up to in the first team in the style which they have played all season, irrespective of systems, because the first team have played a few different systems.

    "The style has been consistent, they want to have the ball, they want to attack, they want to press high on the pitch, they want to entertain and they certainly do that.

    "They are a side which people will regularly tune in and want to watch a Liverpool match because you are guaranteed excitement and a return to the values that the club was associated with for so many years, and it's our job as an U21s team to do our best to imitate that.

    "At times we've been able to do that, other times we've tried but not been successful, but that's the nature of youth football and development, but we certainly know what we are trying to do."

    The young Reds are now one step away from a final against Chelsea to determine who will be this year's national U21 champions, and Inglethorpe is relishing another date in front of the Kop.

    This season at Anfield, the U21s have won four games out of five - firing 14 goals in the process - and the coach knows his young charges are keen to impress once more.

    He added: "We're looking forward to it as a group. We feel as though we've worked hard all season and it's always nice, when you get to the end of the season, to have something to play for.

    "It's great because the lads have more opportunities to impress and improve and there's no greater chance than at Anfield on Friday.

    "To get the chance to play at Anfield I think is everything, not just the players but for the staff as well. Anfield generates an incredible atmosphere and there's an incredible ambience about the place.

    "It's a fantastic place to go and work and it does give the players that lift because it's ultimately where they want to go and play every week.

    "They want to play at home, they want the ground to be full and they want to contribute to the club, so to have a little dress rehearsal before the future main event is inspirational for all of them."

    Comment


      #3
      Hello MrsB. Not seen you around here much. How do?

      I heard Lloyd Jones being interviewed on the radio in the build up to this game. He was so nervous that he pretty much mispronounced every single word. Poor guy

      Comment


        #4
        Thanks for posting this MrsB I know we have the Reserves/u21 sticky, but there isn't much activity there and I'm really interested in our youth teams.
        Anyway, I'll be watching this tonight, hopefully we can **** United on that level as well, got a few very talented youngsters in our team.

        Comment


          #5
          Lets destroy these Manc cunts. Then smash the Kings Road cunts all over the place in the final.

          Comment


            #6
            hello,
            I think we should do this reserves/youth match threads again next season and lose the sticky.

            Comment

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