Meet the Academy: Remi Savage
When Remi Savage put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Liverpool recently, it was the realisation of a dream.
The Scouser, who hails from Aigburth, has been at the Academy since the age of five.
Now 18, Savage is a regular member of the U18s squad and also made his debut for the U23s in 2019-20.
When the Academy told him his progress was to be rewarded with a professional contract, the popular defender was overjoyed.
"It was an unbelievable moment for me and my family," Savage told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I was just over the moon to sign my first professional contract with this football club. It's such a big club and it really is a dream come true for me.
"Growing up as a Scouser as well, that was my dream - to sign for Liverpool.
"I've actually been at the Academy since the age of five so for me to get the contract having come through all of the age groups is such a big moment for me."
Read on below for more from our chat with Savage in the latest edition of our Meet the Academy series...
On dealing with lockdown and staying fit...
I am doing fine, thank you. I've been keeping fit during the lockdown and the Academy has helped us a lot with regular Zoom calls and our fitness programmes. It's not been as bad as I thought it would be and the staff have been a big help, so I'm doing well.
On being part of the U18s squad that went all the way and lifted the FA Youth Cup last season…
That is probably one of the most memorable memories so far at the club. Winning the FA Youth Cup is such a big achievement in youth football, it's probably one of the biggest things you can achieve. So, for me to be in the squad and be around that squad with my mates as well was just unbelievable.
On scoring on his U18s debut against Wolves under the command of Steven Gerrard…
That was a great moment for me, especially with it being my debut. Steven was the manager, an idol of mine growing up, and him having the trust to put me in his team was a good moment for me. I learned a lot from Steven and Tom Culshaw. They helped me a lot and it was really good playing under them. I like them both and that was a really good moment to get the chance to play for them.
On the influence of new U23s boss Barry Lewtas on his career so far…
I have worked with Barry for a long time now and we have a really good relationship. Over the years he has really helped me, not just as a player but as the person I am today. On and off the pitch Barry has helped me a lot. I'm excited to work with Barry again next season and hopefully get more games with the U23s.
On being versatile to play left-back as well as his regular position of centre-back…
I enjoy playing at centre-back but I don't mind playing left-back and I'm happy to play there for the good of the team. Being versatile, I think, is a good trait to have.
On who he most looks up to at Liverpool in his position…
Definitely Virgil van Dijk. The way he does everything he does is just amazing to watch. A lot of people do look up to Van Dijk across the world, not just Liverpool fans. He is probably the best centre-back in the world so I definitely look up to him. I've not had the chance to train with him yet but hopefully that will come in the future. That would be amazing. With the first team moving down to the Academy, hopefully I can get a closer look and see how things work and learn a few things.
On seeing Academy teammates such as Neco Williams, Curtis Jones, Leighton Clarkson and Jake Cain getting first-team opportunities…
Most definitely it does give you a boost seeing the lads get their opportunity and hopefully I can do the same if I keep working hard and progressing in the future. Leighton and Jake were also at the Academy from a very early age so we have played in the same teams together, and I was made up for them to get the opportunity to play in the friendly against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.
On his promising centre-back partnership at U18 level with Billy Koumetio…
Me and Billy have got a great partnership on and off the pitch. We bonded and formed a good partnership playing together and we also get on really well off the pitch. I enjoy playing alongside him.
On his future hopes next season and beyond…
I made my debut for the U23s last season, which was a nice moment to play at that level, so hopefully I can just keep working hard, do what I've been doing and keep listening to the coaches. I just want to try to get as many games as I can next season for the U23s.