'It's been fantastic to watch their development from afar': Blackpool boss Neil Critchley lauds progress of Liverpool youngsters under Jurgen Klopp

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley admits he takes a great deal of pride witnessing the progress of some of Liverpool’s youngsters.
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Curtis Jones has received plenty of plaudits for his performance during the Reds’ midweek 2-1 win against title challengers Tottenham Hotspur.

The 19-year-old prospect, who has played 15 times under Jurgen Klopp this season, was coached by Critchley during his time working with Liverpool’s Under-23s.

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In fact, Jones and fellow academy graduates Caoimhin Kelleher, Rhys Williams and Neco Williams have made 37 first-team appearances between them this season for the Premier League champions.

That is something that gives Critchley a great deal of satisfaction given his previous role working in Liverpool’s academy for seven years.

“It’s been fantastic to just sit back and watch their development from afar,” Pool’s head coach told The Gazette.

“Rhys, Neco and Curtis were all in the same team growing up, so they’ve come right through the academy from a very young age.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with Neil CritchleyLiverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with Neil Critchley
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with Neil Critchley
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“I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Alex Inglethorpe, the academy manager there, and the work he’s done.

“Now for the boss to show so much faith in those players in big games, important games, has been fantastic.

“I have to say, all of those players when I’ve watched them play have done themselves no harm whatsoever. They’ve done themselves justice.

“I’m delighted for them and long may it continue where those players get an opportunity at such a massive, massive club.

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“They’ve played in big games and the manager has an unbelievable belief and faith in those players.

“You can’t ever prepare those players for that type of game. You think you can but you never know what they’re going to be like when they cross the white line in a game of that importance (Tottenham).

“In all of the games I’ve watched, they’ve acquitted themselves extremely well and they’ve backed up the faith the manager has shown in them.”

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