Liverpool FC Players When They Were Young – 17 Brilliant Baby-Faced Photos!

The passage of time is often subtle, but looking back at these early photos of Liverpool players when they were young reminds us just how much has changed. With so many baby faces in the mix, it's a fun and nostalgic trip down memory lane!

Whether you’ve followed their careers from the start or are just discovering their journeys, these images provide a glimpse into what Liverpool’s stars looked like before they graced Anfield. Let’s take a look at some memorable photos from the early days of these Reds.

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Virgil van Dijk – Groningen (2012)

(VI Images/ANP Sport/PA Images)

Here’s a 21-year-old Virgil van Dijk in 2012, playing for FC Groningen. He joined the club at 19 from Willem II and made his professional debut there. Even back then, you could see the promise that would eventually make him one of the best defenders in the world.

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Mohamed Salah – Chelsea (2014)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It’s strange to see Mohamed Salah in Chelsea colours, but this image from 2014 shows the then-22-year-old winger in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Little did Chelsea know that Salah’s future success would come not from their ranks but from Liverpool’s. His journey took him to Fiorentina and Roma before Liverpool secured his services, and the rest is history.

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Harvey Elliott – Fulham (2018)
(Steven Paston/PA Wire)
This picture of Harvey Elliott was taken when he made his first-team debut for Fulham at just 15 years old, in a Carabao Cup match in September 2018. He was still juggling his GCSEs at the time! Now, at 21, Elliott has already built a solid career at Liverpool, much to the club’s benefit.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool (2015)

(Pic by Mark Hawkins/Propaganda)
At just 16 years old, Trent Alexander-Arnold was already arriving at Swindon Town for a friendly match in the summer of 2015. His rapid rise through the Liverpool ranks, starting from the academy at the age of six, has seen him become one of the top right-backs in world football.

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Joe Gomez – Charlton (2015)

Joe Gomez spent his early years at Charlton before joining Liverpool in 2015. Here’s a snapshot from his time at Charlton, where he had been since 2007. Gomez has since developed into a reliable defender for Liverpool, though his career has had its ups and downs.

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Caoimhin Kelleher – Liverpool (2016)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Here’s a lanky, fresh-faced Caoimhin Kelleher from 2016, shortly after he joined Liverpool from Ringmahon Rangers at 17. It’s amazing to see how much the Irish goalkeeper has grown since his early days in the youth teams.

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Cody Gakpo – PSV (2017)

(Pic by Paul Greenwood/Propaganda)
Cody Gakpo, in his PSV Eindhoven days, made his professional debut in 2016. In 2017, he faced Liverpool in a pre-season friendly while still a promising young talent. Now at Liverpool, he’s quickly becoming an integral part of the team.

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Ryan Gravenberch – Ajax (2020)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
At just 18 years old, Ryan Gravenberch was already making a name for himself in Ajax’s first team. This image, taken during a 2020 Champions League match against Liverpool, shows the young midfielder before his eventual transfer to Anfield.

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Curtis Jones – Liverpool (2016)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Curtis Jones was already impressing at Liverpool’s academy in 2016, just 15 years old in this photo. His development has been impressive, with Jones now playing a crucial role for Liverpool in the senior squad.

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Andy Robertson – Hull City (2015)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Here’s Andy Robertson at 21, during his time at Hull City before joining Liverpool. Not much has changed, except for the addition of a few more silverware medals! Robertson has become one of the best left-backs in the world, a far cry from his time at Hull.

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Alexis Mac Allister – Brighton (2020)

(Pic by Propaganda)
Before making his move to Liverpool, Alexis Mac Allister was representing Brighton in 2020. In this photo, he’s playing against Liverpool, but now, just a few years later, he’s a key figure in the Reds’ midfield.

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Ibrahima Konate – RB Leipzig (2021)

Konate made his move from France to Germany in 2017, and this image from a 2021 Bundesliga match shows the French centre-back during his time at Leipzig. Known for his powerful style of play, he was soon on his way to Liverpool, where he has become a key defender.

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Dominik Szoboszlai – Salzburg (2019)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
In this image from a 2019 Champions League match against Liverpool, Dominik Szoboszlai was playing for RB Salzburg at just 19 years old. Now, Szoboszlai is a part of Liverpool’s midfield, having made a seamless transition from Austria to England.

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Alisson Becker – Roma (2016)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alisson Becker’s aura was evident even in 2016, during his time at AS Roma. This photo, taken during a pre-season match against Liverpool, highlights the goalkeeper’s natural presence, which only grew stronger after his move to Anfield.

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Diogo Jota – Portugal U21s (2018)

(Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Diogo Jota, fresh off a move to Wolves, was playing for Portugal’s U21 team in 2018. At just 21, he would soon be making an impact in the Premier League before joining Liverpool, where he’s become a key contributor in attack.

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John Heitinga – Everton (2009)

(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
We’re not just talking about players – let’s look at the coaches! Here’s assistant coach John Heitinga, playing for Everton in 2009. He went on to have a solid career at Goodison Park before joining Liverpool’s staff in 2024.

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Arne Slot – Sparta Rotterdam (2009)

(PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo)
Arne Slot, now the manager of Liverpool, was playing for Sparta Rotterdam in 2009. This image is from a match against Feyenoord, long before his managerial success. His journey has brought him back to Liverpool, where he’s now hoping to lead the team to glory.

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Time flies, but it’s always fun to look back at these baby-faced photos and remember the journey these players and coaches have been on. From their humble beginnings to becoming key figures at Liverpool, it’s clear that their early potential was always evident.

Chelsea Set to Save £70m with Estevao Signing, Avoiding Garnacho Pursuit

Chelsea are set to make a major transfer move this summer with the arrival of Brazilian teenage sensation Estevao from Palmeiras. The winger, who is set to turn 18 in late April, will join the Blues for a £34 million fee, potentially saving the club millions on a previously targeted Manchester United star.

Estevao has already made waves at both club and international levels, earning four senior caps for Brazil. His debut came in September 2024 during a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador, where he featured as a second-half substitute in Brazil's 1-0 win.

Chelsea's decision to sign Estevao could prove a smart financial move. The club had been heavily linked with a £65 million bid for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho in the January transfer window, but this new signing could ease their need to pursue the United star. While Chelsea had their initial bid for Garnacho rejected, the latest reports suggest the young winger could be on the move this summer, following a public display of frustration after being substituted in United’s win over Ipswich.

Estevao's form in Brazil has been exceptional, with 15 goals and several key assists in 45 appearances, helping Palmeiras secure the Serie A title. His potential has already drawn praise from Brazilian legend Denilson, who believes Estevao has the ability to match the success of fellow Brazilian Endrick, who made a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2024.

Denilson's Praise for Estevao

Denilson, the former Real Betis star, spoke highly of Estevao’s abilities, describing him as "intelligent, a great dribbler, and a player with an eye for goal." Denilson believes the winger’s playing style will be well-suited for English football and that Chelsea has secured a future star.

Estevao's imminent move to Chelsea also offers the club the chance to trim their current roster. The Blues are expected to part ways with several other wingers, including Joao Felix, who has been loaned out to AC Milan, Raheem Sterling, whose temporary move to Arsenal has yet to bear fruit, and Jadon Sancho, who has struggled since his loan from Manchester United.

Financial and Squad Reshaping Potential

The arrival of Estevao provides Chelsea with a long-term investment without the need for costly additions in the transfer market. His signing also opens the possibility of freeing up valuable financial resources by offloading several other players on the books, providing the club with much-needed flexibility.

By betting on Estevao's growth and potential, Chelsea are not only enhancing their squad for the future but also creating a more sustainable financial plan moving forward. This could be a crucial step in avoiding further high-priced signings while ensuring long-term squad depth.

In conclusion, Estevao's signing appears to be a masterstroke for Chelsea, potentially saving the club £70 million in the upcoming transfer window. With his impressive talent and the support of key figures like Denilson, Estevao’s arrival could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Stamford Bridge.

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This revised version tightens the narrative, focuses on key points, and improves clarity while keeping the original essence intact. Let me know if you'd like any more changes!

 Ex-German Football Star Mesut Özil Joins Turkish Politics with Erdogan's Ruling Party

Mesut Özil, the former Germany, Real Madrid, and Arsenal football star who retired in 2023, has entered Turkish politics by joining the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This announcement was made on Sunday after Özil was elected to the AKP's central council during a party congress in Ankara, where Erdoğan was re-elected for the ninth time as the head of the conservative party that has governed Turkey since 2002.

Özil, born in Germany to Turkish parents, has long been a supporter of Erdoğan. The former footballer had previously chosen Erdoğan as his best man at his 2019 wedding to Amine Gülşe, a former Miss Turkey. Özil's political move comes after years of support for the Turkish president, despite causing controversy with his relationships with both German and Turkish political landscapes.

Özil’s connection with Erdoğan sparked significant debate in Germany when a photo of Özil and Erdoğan, taken during the 2018 elections, caused a storm. Alongside former Germany teammate İlkay Gündoğan, Özil met with Erdoğan in London, which led to accusations of political favoritism and the controversial question of Özil’s loyalty. The German Football Association (DFB) faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some claiming that Özil had been unfairly treated because of his Turkish heritage.

Following the uproar over the photo, Özil, once seen as a symbol of multiculturalism in Germany, decided to leave the national team. He accused the DFB of racism, particularly targeting the DFB president, Reinhard Grindel. In a passionate four-page statement, Özil criticized Grindel and others within the football community, claiming that he was treated as "German when we win, but an immigrant when we lose."

Özil’s move into Turkish politics is seen as a continuation of his longstanding support for Erdoğan and his alignment with the political climate in Turkey. His decision to join the AKP is likely to further fuel the political tensions surrounding his public image and will undoubtedly make waves in both Turkish and international politics.

 Crystal Palace Star Jean-Philippe Mateta Hospitalized After Nasty Collision in FA Cup Match Against Millwall

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta was hospitalized following a reckless challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup fifth-round match on Saturday. Despite the Eagles securing a 3-1 victory, the incident overshadowed the match's result.

Roberts was sent off just eight minutes into the south London derby at Selhurst Park after a dangerous challenge. As he rushed out of the penalty area to clear the ball, Roberts inadvertently struck Mateta’s head with his boot. The referee, Michael Oliver, initially did not issue a red card but did so after a VAR review confirmed the severity of the challenge. Roberts had won the ball before making contact, but the collision left Mateta requiring lengthy treatment, including oxygen, on the field.

Mateta was subsequently stretchered off and taken to the hospital. On Instagram, he reassured fans with a message, saying: “Thank you for all your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for a great job today.”

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Mateta had suffered a serious ear injury, but he emphasized that the impact could have been far worse. "Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP's career," Glasner said. "I'm pretty sure he didn't want to injure JP, but you can't make an impact like that."

Steve Parish, Crystal Palace’s chairman, was blunt in his criticism of Roberts' actions, calling the challenge “the most reckless” he had ever witnessed. "That is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I've ever seen, and I think he needs to have a long hard look at himself, because he's endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that," Parish stated.

Before the incident, Mateta had been in excellent form, scoring eight goals in his previous nine games, bringing his season total to 15.

Despite the setback, Crystal Palace capitalized on the man advantage to secure the win. The match saw an own goal from Millwall's Japhet Tanganga in the 33rd minute, followed by a second from Daniel Munoz seven minutes later. Millwall responded with a goal from Wes Harding in first-half stoppage time, after a delay for Mateta’s treatment. However, it was Eddie Nketiah's looping header in the 82nd minute that sealed Palace’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The match was marred by the injury, but Palace now look forward to the next stage of the competition

 Man City 3-1 Plymouth: Pep Guardiola’s Side Overcome Scare to Keep FA Cup Hopes Alive

Manchester City came from behind to beat Championship side Plymouth 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium, securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals. Despite a scare from the Pilgrims, who took a shock lead, City managed to turn things around and book their spot in the next round.

Plymouth, fresh off their stunning wins over Brentford and Liverpool in the previous rounds, took the lead in the 38th minute through Maksym Talovierov’s header. It seemed as though the underdogs might continue their fairytale run, but City responded quickly after the break.

Teenager Nico O’Reilly, playing as a makeshift left-back, equalized with a header just before halftime. Then, with 14 minutes remaining, he scored another header to give City the lead. Kevin De Bruyne sealed the win with a third goal in the 90th minute to secure a 3-1 victory.

City’s dominance in possession was evident throughout the game, but Plymouth’s strong defensive performance made them difficult to break down. Despite conceding, Plymouth’s resilience was admirable, and their performance, particularly in defense, gave City plenty to think about.

Man of the Match: Nico O'Reilly
The 19-year-old defender was the standout performer for Manchester City. O'Reilly, who had to step into an unfamiliar position, delivered two crucial headers and was vital in the comeback victory.

Post-Match Reactions

City’s Nico O'Reilly:
“It’s an amazing feeling to score, especially at a club like this - the team I grew up playing for,” said O'Reilly. “It was a very tough game, very physical, very direct. We knew it was going to be and we tried to match it. We got the job done and I'm happy. I don’t mind playing anywhere. Wherever the gaffer puts me, I’m happy with. I want to get more minutes, keep my head down and keep going.”

Pep Guardiola on City's FA Cup ambition:
“We’re happy to reach the quarter-finals and with the way we played,” said Guardiola. “How many times in the last years have we reached the semi-finals? When you arrive six times in a row in the semi-finals, it’s because [the FA Cup] is important. It shows how honest we are, and I like that. We’re one game away from Wembley and we’ll see what happens.”

Plymouth Manager Miron Muslic:
“I think we gave a game to Man City. We made it difficult. City are one of the best teams in the world coached by the best coach in the world. We can be disappointed with the result but proud of the performance. This will give us a confidence boost [in the fight to stay in the Championship].”

Looking Ahead
Manchester City will now focus on reaching their third consecutive FA Cup final, with just two more games standing between them and Wembley. For Plymouth, the loss will be a tough one to swallow, but their valiant performance will give them confidence in their battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.

What’s Next?

• Man City will be aiming to continue their FA Cup run and push for silverware this season, with their next fixture focused on their quest to reach the semi-finals.
• Plymouth, meanwhile, will look to carry their determined FA Cup performances into their Championship survival fight as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.