Re: Youth and Reserve Thread

[McAgger]

Damn I missed it

[stevieg8]

Not saying he won't make it or come good; just saying that it's hard enough to predict who will make it from our U18s without throwing in the added wrinkle of him playing Bosnian competition.

I hope he comes good and believe he could; but I'll hold off on getting excited about his future for a few years yet. Even some of the best young gems fail to make it.

[Helmer]

McY no worries, worth watching...specially after half time

[McAgger]

This kid is gonna be special fix his permit problems already ffs.

http://bhdragons.com/is-armin-hodzic-the-next-edin-dzeko/

It seems like every few months or so, a new name pops up in Bosnia, or across the Bosnian diaspora, some unknown young talent, being compared to Bosnia’s leading hitman, Edin Dzeko. And yet, very few truly live up to the hype and the expectations. Many said that Armin Hodzic would fall through, like countless others, but just as Dzeko was a diamond in the rough, Zeljeznicar might have hit the jackpot, and bottled lighting for a second time.



Armin Hodzic (1994) is a 19 year-old striker playing for FK Zeljeznicar in Bosnia’s top domestic flight, the Premijer Liga, on loan from Liverpool. Standing at 1.82m, Hodzic is a mutli-talented forward, possessing the classic strength and positioning prowess of a traditional center-forward, but also speed and technique which usually compliments secondary strikers, or classic tens.



Hodzic passed through Zeljeznicar’s youth ranks before Liverpool purchased the young talent in May of 2011, for a reported fee of 150,000 euros. He has since then premiered for Liverpool’s youth teams, as well as the reserves, but predominately played on loan back to his home club Zeljo.



So far this season, Hodzic has scored ten goals in 18 league matches, a total of 1256 minutes. He is the leading scorer of the best club in the Bosnian Premier League. Hodzic has passed through all of Bosnia’s youth teams, currently playing for the Bosnian U21 teams under Vlado Jagodic.


Hodzic in action for Bosnia
Back when Hodzic was still playing for Zeljeznicar’s youth team, at 16 years old, current manager Amar Osim (son of Ivica Osim) had just taken over as manager. Upon viewing the player for the first time, he declared, “For nobody can you truly say whether they will become a good player or not. You cannot know for certain how their body will develop and in which direction their head will follow. One thing is certain however, if he stays healthy, Armin Hodzic will be a fantastic player.”


16 year old Hodzic
It would seem that Osim’s words are slowly becoming true, with Hodzic evolving into a top player, worthy of being considered one of the best to come through Zeljeznicar’s school, and certainly in the Bosnian youth system. Recently, the young player showed incredible composure and understanding of when to pick a moment by scoring two important goals to bring his team victory over league rivals Zrinjski Mostar, who are also in the championship hunt.



After spending the winter break with Liverpool, training and developing, bettering his body and skill, the young player’s game is already like night and day compared to the fall portion of the season. After showing some signs of rust in the first game against Bijelina, he was still proclaimed the player of the match, despite missing some good chances. He’s shaken off the rust with gusto since.


Hodzic at Liverpool


“I feel great after doing well with Liverpool. I’m hungry to prove myself, hungry for goals and competition. I’m more confident, and I know I can play even better than before. I’m happy my career is on the right path.”

FK Sarajevo ace, and legend, Slavisa Vukicevic, who works for the “Sport global management,” group observed the young player at the Zeljeznicar – Zrinsjki match.

“My agency was working with FIFA during the Kosovo & Haiti friendly. Upon the request of two Ligue 1 clubs, I came here to scout Hodizc, and I have to say, I am incredibly impressed.”

“I saw a player that reminded me of Suarez. He can play on multiple positions on the field, left, right, in the middle, as a secondary striker, or as a classic forward. He runs a lot, and he has that certain hunger and desire in his eyes and in his legs. His technique is excellent for such a young player. All in all, he has all the predispositions to become a top player in the world.”


Hodzic in derby action
Game by game, Hodzic is evolving and maturing as a player, showing all of the attributes necessary of a big time player. Hodzic is truly living up to the hype, and in Dzeko’s fashion, a domestic diamond in the rough, waiting to be discovered. On derby day in Sarajevo, Zeljeznicar faced their old cross town nemesis in the quarter final of the Bosnian Cup. Hodzic played the full 90 minutes, and even though he didn’t score, created loads of chances for his club, contributing to build up play, and playing unselfishly.

The following video shows Hodzic clawing and fighting for the ball to set up his teammates to take the lead.


Hodzic holds off two Sarajevo defenders, loses possession briefly, but doesn’t give up on the play and claws back the ball with a precisely timed tackle, passing it in one fell swoop to set up the winger on his left. This is just one example of the competitive spirit in the boots of the young striker.

Beyond football, off the field, Hodzic is a poster child player, always smiling, with a can-do attitude, quickly becoming a fan favorite with the Zeljeznicar fans, who have on numerous occasion given him the “Player of the Month,” award. They see a skilled player in Hodzic, but above all, a fighter. Luka Modric, who at one time played for Zrinjski in Bosnia’s top league once stated, “I played football in Bosnia and made it. Any player who can do that, has my respect.” And in the mud drenched, cold football fields of Bosnia, Armin Hodzic has made it.

[McAgger]

Ryan Kent and U16 Adam Phillips training with the first team.

[McAgger]

Had some time on hands so I present to you some mini-Bale gifs

Beautiful Canos assist




Beautiful Kent (mini Hazard) assist

[McAgger]

Also some extra skills from Wilson and Kent





And some mini Gerrard goals

[Curtinho]

I rate Wilson very highly, but is Bale a real good comparable? The talent seems there but he doesn't seem like the physical specimen that Bale is.

[McAgger]

Mind you I didn't come up with the comparison, it's been around ever since he's caught peple's eyes. And I think it mostly stems from him being Welsh, left footed, and playing the same position as Bale.

Personally think, unlike Bale, he uses skill to get past players and not just speed and physicality. But he is fairly quick also. And you never how much he'll grow phisicaly as he's only 16.

But he is, along with Rossiter and Kent, the best talents in the academy IMO.

[Nishankly]

You should join twitter Mc, You'd be loved with all those gif and probably tracked for infringement as well :p

[Helmer]

Messiah, tbh with you those gifs are really GOD, you are so
GifGOAT from today
I am always happy to see these youth games and see the kids developing and scoring goals like that and now when I repeatedly see them, it makes me even more happy.

Btw, that mini Bale comparison when I had posted it first time, I didnt even know he was Welsh or some other things. I just felt that and then googled for more info and was just surprised that he was Welsh...
@El Cujo, the type of running with the ball, his movement and the way he shoots look similar to me as of Bale. I think the kid is just 16 and will develop slowly.

Rossiter is just unbelievable kid. He is growing so fast...I will be very very disappointed if he doesnt make it to our first team soon, soon enough before Gerrard retires

Kent, he has great skills, just that his footballing inteligence need to get better, I think it will enough training.

[Nishankly]

Liverpool vs Newcastle United, U21 in half an hour.

Streaming links on http://gofirstrow.eu/

Ill be catching at least a half of this.

[McAgger]

I enjoy the U18 more than U21. It's hard to see guys like Bijev, Peterson, Sama, even Lussey and Dunn (to a lesser extent) making it here with us. Think I'll be watching Ibrahimovic and PSG today but I'll try to catch it as Rossiter, Chirivella, and possibly Branagan might feature.

And I don't understand why Alberto isn't getting any game time with the U21. He doesn't even travel with the first team anymore.

[Nishankly]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BjRTyFdIAAEMM81.jpg

[Nishankly]

Excellent pass Rossiter to Smith. Kent almost scored.

[Nishankly]

Just after Kent messed up a 2v1 situation against the keeper.

1-0 Roberts.

Brannagan horrible error.

[Nishankly]

And now Jack Dunn scores from a horrible error from Bigrimana.

1-1

[Nishankly]

Peterson 2-1. 12mins gone. lmao

Ryan Kent assists, Excellent.

[McAgger]

2-2 shit defending.

[Nishankly]

2-2 Aarons, Decent goal

[McAgger]

Paez

Slid past the action

[McAgger]

Newcastle aren't bad. Some good youngsters. Rossiter is boss though. So much composure. Looks like a senior player among youngsters.

[Nishankly]

ffs wasting chances.

Agreed Rossiter and Brannagan looking a class apart.

[McAgger]

Next season Hodzic and Yesil playing up top for the reserves with Wilson, Kent, Dunn around them should be really fun. With Chirivlla, Rossiter, and possibly Lussey (if he doesn't go on loan) in the pivots.

Think we're really lacking a talented ST this season in the reserves. Dunn is not a ST.

[Nishankly]

Smith is horrible today.

[McAgger]

PAEZ GOAL

3-2

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