Liverpool FC: Regeneration

Model: Manchester United's 'Class of 92' is a model the FA want to see replicated

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In a sensational attack on English football, the FA have issued a statement which accuses top teams of neglecting Homegrown British talent, and hurting the 'British game'.

The statement, which runs in its entirety to 12 pages, points to the success Manchester United had off the back of the 'Class of '92', and suggests in no uncertain terms that clubs should look to limit their spend of "foreign talents" in favour of "nurturing the young players coming through the system, rather than throwing them on the scrapheap."

Of course, EU regulations stop the FA from putting a cap on the number of non-UK nationals in a squad, and have done since the Bosman case, but today's statement suggests that in the wake of Brexit, the FA will be less forgiving of high numbers of foreign players within squads.

Several clubs have already hit back at the statement, with Arsene Wenger branding it "ridiculous", and Jose Mourinho stating simply that "If the British players aren't good enough, they will not play" while more modest managers have kept themselves to themselves.

As the Transfer window heats up this summer, it will be interesting to see how the clubs respond to the FA's sensational attack, and whether they will indeed seek to promote the development of young talents, or continue to spend the big bucks to bring in the best foreign talent they can find.

Nice start!! I hope you get a hard Brexit so it would be easier getting the youth

I'm looking forward to this, good luck as this looks a good challenge.

Liverpool are at a stage where major evolution is required, hopefully you can prove to be the catalyst to this phase!

This should be a really interesting read man! Good luck!

At War: Liverpool boss Klopp has hit back at the FA's Accusations

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"Sure, they have a point, but they're not the ones who have to win trophies or get sacked"

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp was scathing in his response to the FA's statement blaming foreign talent for the downturn in British Football's international fortunes. The German, when asked what he thought of the FA's statement, and whether he would try to incorporate more 'Home-Grown' players in his squads, didn't hold back

"Well, I mean the FA are entitled to their opinion; it is their job to help England win things, but I think that saying that foreign players are hurting their league is a bit wrong. We have some of the best players in the world in this league: surely that is only motivation for the English players to get better?

"Will I use more British players? I suppose if they are good enough, but I will not sacrifice the results on the pitch: We have players, very good players, like Coutinho and Firmino, who are important to this club - I will not sell them to make the FA happy.

"The English players need to get better, it is simple. The FA? Sure, they have a point, but they're not the ones who have to win trophies or get sacked"

A very good point. Why exchange a Ferrari for a donkey just to support the animal kingdom?

Klopp has a very good point there, however I feel like the FA may have something to say about his opinion.

I agree with Klopp

Jurgen is our man, whether the FA like it or not!

Determined: Liverpool's Youngsters are ready for the challenge of the new season

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As the new season rolls around, and the FA demand a greater focus on youth development, Liverpool youngster Sam Hart has today called on his fellow youngsters to step up and prove that they have the ability to take the next step in their development and help the club to glory.

19 year old Hart is one of a clutch of players who have been featuring for Liverpool in pre-season, and was taken on the club's tour of India last week. He joined Liverpool 4 years ago from Premiership rivals Manchester United, and has since made great strides as a player, although has yet to make a competitive professional appearance for the club.

Speaking to the media, the Bolton-born youngster was resolute, stating that; "As a youngster, it is good to see the FA wanting to put more focus on youth development. We've got brilliant facilities here at Liverpool so I don't think I've been disadvantaged at all, but I know a few lads who have dropped out of the game because they're not being given a chance.

"That goes both ways though; there's a responsibility that lies with us as players to give our all, and put 110% into developing and taking the next step in our careers. I know the club aren't just going to play us because the FA said so; we need to prove, both individually and as a group, that we are ready to contribute to the success of this club."

Hart was joined on the pre-season tour by a cohort of his Academy team-mates, including Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kamil Grabara, Adam Phillips and Kevin Stewart, and the performances of the group are sure to have given Klopp some food for thought as he considers what areas of the squad to strengthen.

It would be good to see the youngsters show great Hart and really Grab(ara) their first team opportunities, should they be the ones chosen to Stewart the club on the pitch this season!

I had Hart on loan at Colchester and he was a fantastic player for me. Hopefully he can do something impressive for you.

Won't lie Hart isn't one of Liverpools academy graduates that I have heard too much about so hopefully he can develop into a fine player!

Homeward Bound: Moreno had been linked with a move back to Spain, but wants to stay

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Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno has come under criticism in recent months, after some shaky performances towards the end of last season, with many predicting that Jurgen Klopp would show the Spaniard the Anfield door this summer.

However, despite Liverpool continually being linked to young, talented left-backs, the 22 year old Spaniard is determined to prove to his manager and the fans that he is good enough to keep his place in the Liverpool squad.

"I understand that my performances have sometimes been not so good" Moreno said this morning, "But I believe in myself, and hope that I can convince the fans to believe in me also: I can play at this level and I know that with hard work, I can show this to the fans and the manager.

"We have a big season ahead, and I will have to be at my very very best to help the team; This club has shown me so much love and belief in the last two years, and that must be repaid/"

Moreno's request for faith from the fans comes in the wake of news that Liverpool are hot on the heels of Fulham and Celtic youngsters Ryan Sessegnon and Kieran Tierney, with sources varying on which of the two is likely to make the switch to Anfield.

If Moreno can push his form to the next level, and with Sam Hart champing at the bit for game time, Klopp may have to consider his next signings very closely before making any moves in the transfer market. Sessegnon and Tierney would both be excellent signings, but having so much depth in one position may do more harm than good.