The first Academy Show of the new season is here with host Paul Wheelock being joined by journalist, broadcaster and big Liverpool FC fan Matt Addison, who is a regular at Kirby watching the club's U18 and U23 teams. Before they get stuck into what is a big weekend for the talented young sides, Matt gives us the lowdown on the 17-year-old midfielder who has been pictured training with Jurgen Klopp's this week, Leighton Clarkson. Also on the agenda is Fiorentina's bid for Bobby Duncan, but please note the podcast was recorded before the 18-year-old striker's agent made an astonishing attack on the club and Michael Edwards (read the story HERE). The big incentive for players in the Reds academy is that Klopp is willing to give them a chance - Trent Alexander-Arnold being the ultimate example. However, with academy director Alex Inglethorpe admitting the club's youngsters will have to 'take a world-class player's shirt off him' to get into the senior side, Matt and Paul wonder whether more players may need to take the 'Harry Wilson route'. Talk then turns to the appointment of Curtis Jones as the new captain of the U23s, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster, and the team's start to the season, plus a preview of their visit of Manchester City to Anfield on Saturday (August 31, 6pm KO). And there's also time to look at the free-scoring (as ever) U18s, who kick off a big double-header by welcoming Manchester United to the academy earlier in the day (11am KO). Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy