Liam Coyle on life with Steven Gerrard at the Academy
Liam Coyle has offered a fascinating insight into what it is like for him and Liverpool's youngsters to learn from Academy coach Steven Gerrard.
Since returning to the club in February to take up a coaching role in Kirkby, Reds legend Gerrard has been operating in the professional development phase of the club's young prospects.
Gerrard also gives the Academy hopefuls the benefit of his expertise on the training pitch - and for 17-year-old Scouser Coyle, that is something he occasionally struggles to believe is real.
“It’s unbelievable to have him out with us on the training pitch and you think that’s Steven Gerrard coaching me!” Coyle told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Steven gets involved and plays in the training matches with us. I remember the first time he got involved and I was alongside him in centre midfield.
“He still puts himself about and trains like he would if he was still playing for the first team and it’s just great to play alongside him and learn from him.”
In recent weeks Gerrard has been a regular source of encouragement on the sidelines with Neil Critchley’s U18s - and Coyle admits his presence inspires the team.
He added: “His motivation is really good. He talks to all of the lads before the game and he gets you going.
“I’ve already got that self-motivation myself but we are such a young team and it helps them as well.
“Everyone looks up to him because we all know what he did as a player for Liverpool. Anyone who comes into this club is going to be inspired by him.”
On a personal level, Coyle says it’s invaluable to have a mentor like Gerrard on hand to give him tips as he strives to achieve his dream of one day putting on the famous red shirt of his beloved club at Anfield.
He said: “It’s great for me to have someone like Gerrard at the Academy. He gives me advice and helps me with little tips as a midfielder.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a couple of individual sessions with Steven. He's been helping me with my long passing and teaching me how to strike a ball better.
“We have also been doing some shooting practice because I don’t score many goals but if I can work on that, who better to learn from!”