Forward thinking boosting Ryan
Academy full-back Ryan McLaughlin is learning his attacking full-back trade by carefully watching how the likes of Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique are operating for the Liverpool first team.
After being selected for the club's tour of North America last summer, the Northern Irishman has established himself in the right-back slot for the Reds' U21s, now managed by Alex Inglethorpe.
The 18-year-old is determined to extend that progression into Brendan Rodgers' senior squad, where he believes the philosophy is perfectly suited to his style of play.
"The way the first-team full-backs are getting forward helps me and Brad Smith, before he got injured. We really like attacking," McLaughlin told LFC TV.
"Alex and Rodolfo are actually quite similar; they always want to pass the ball. Alex was brought in by Brendan and he has the same philosophy.
"It's great to be working with Alex - if you have any weaknesses, he'll try to improve them for you.
"Things have gone well this season. I haven't been happy with the injuries that I've had but I'm back again. I played 60 minutes against West Ham and 90 at Wolves. Hopefully I'm fine for the rest of the season. I'll try to keep playing well and see where it takes me."
The U21s return to action against Tottenham on Monday afternoon, when many of Inglethorpe's squad will have the opportunity to play at Anfield for the first time this season.
"It's not going to be packed out but the Kop is there and there is still that same feeling when you're playing. Especially if you win as well, it's amazing," McLaughlin said.
"To play on the first-team pitch just gives you an added incentive to play in the first team more.
"We're in the elite league so every game is tough. All the teams that are in this elite league have done really well in the league before Christmas.
"They have all been big games and really good players that we're playing against. We've done okay so far and it will be a big test against Tottenham at Anfield.
"It's an added incentive to play at Anfield because we haven't this season yet. It's going to be great for us and we can't wait for it."