Liverpool U18s midfielder Liam Coyle has described working under Steven Gerrard, after the club legend’s appointment as youth coach.
Coyle has been in impressive form for the Young Reds this season, most notably in November’s 3-3 draw at home to Man United U18s, with his tough-tackling presence shining through.
A regular fixture for the U18s, it’s unlikely to be long before Coyle establishes himself at U23 level, and Gerrard’s influence will no doubt play a key role in this.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Coyle explained how Gerrard is making an impact at Kirkby, describing having the former captain as a coach as “unbelievable.”
“When we are out training and you can see him watching you, it makes you want to impress him,” he said.
“You see him standing there and you think to yourself about all the great things this man has done for the football club and what he has achieved.
“Just before I came in for this chat, I was working on my passing, long and short, on the training field with Steven.
“He just hits these unbelievable long-range passes and he makes them look so easy.
“I can assure you they are not and you just think, ‘wow!’”
Coyle continued to reveal how Gerrard had given him specific advice on “when to press and when not to press,” while he also said he has spoken to Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson about the No. 6 role when training at Melwood.
“It’s brilliant. Jordan and Lucas spoke with me and gave some advice,” he added.
“Once you get going in the training session, though, you are like one of them and you have to stand up for yourself.
“It’s not kids football, all eyes are on you and you have to impress.”
Gerrard took up his new role at the start of February and has been primarily working alongside Barry Lewtas and the club’s U16s, serving as an invaluable role model to the young players.
The 36-year-old has set his sights on a senior managerial role in the future, but for now his impact on the likes of Coyle, Adam Phillips and Curtis Jones will take precedent.
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