by maypaxvobiscum » Wed May 21, 2014 3:24 pm
MELBOURNE teenager Jake Brimmer is pinching himself after signing with boyhood idol Liverpool, but said the ultimate goal is cracking Brendan Rodgers’ firsts team.
The crafty midfielder signed with the Reds after impressing youth coaches during trials.
Brimmer, who turned 16 in April, was spotted during Liverpool’s Melbourne tour last July and penned a three-year deal with the giant.
On the verge of signing with Melbourne Victory before Reds scouts spotted him, Brimmer’s Maltese ancestry enables him to relocate before turning 18 using his European Union passport.
Brimmer said it was the first step to realising his first-team dream.
“That’s the goal, it’s a big move but hopefully it’s not just three years. I want to make a career out of it, make the first team and make it my life,’’ Brimmer said.
“It’s unbelievable, I’ve been over three times and the experience gets better. It’s surreal.
“Walking around the changerooms, going to Melwood (training base) and warming up at Anfield for an under-21 game after supporting Liverpool as a kid, my childhood dream is coming true.
“I’ve been put on a pre-season program at Liverpool which includes fitness and gym work and lots of technical work with Greg (Mangonis, Nunawading City coach) and I plan to go there fitter than ever.
“I met Kenny Dalglish, who was brilliant and offered his support, also Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler. It was amazing.’’
The overhaul of Liverpool’s once famous academy has been Rodgers-led and his hands-on approach is akin to Ange Postecoglou at Victory.
Liverpool scout Barry Hunter spotted him playing for the Victorian NTC (National Training Centre) squad at Moreland last July.
But it was at Nunawading City, a club at which Postecoglou had helped set up the junior structure, where Brimmer cut his teeth.
He felt at home in a Reds shirt with Nunawading having adopted a similar technique and possession-based football philosophy.
Postecoglou, who offered Brimmer the Victory contract before accepting the Socceroos job, said there was a long way to go before he could join Aussies Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell and Brad Jones as first-teamers.
“I’ve known Jake and his family for a little while and it’s an exciting opportunity for him and they’re very excited by his development,’’ he said.
“He’s got some major obstacles to overcome, but he’s a very talented kid, he’s very committed to the national team as well so it would be great if he could develop.
“I spoke to Brendan briefly, he’s aware of him, but it’s more the academy coaches that have shown the interest.
“Liverpool are looking to revamp their youth development program, they understand they’ve fallen behind in many respects and not many players have come through their system so hopefully if there’s a shift in that emphasis Jake is one of the beneficiaries of it.’’
Rodgers, whose Reds face an uphill battle to claim the Premier League title tomorrow night, has handed debuts to many youth players. Winger Raheem Sterling, 19, has become a regular this season.
“We’re delighted to have Jake Brimmer join us this summer,’’ Liverpool youth coach Alex
Inglethorpe said.
“When he arrives he will be a full-time scholar, which will see him attend our comprehensive secondary school, Rainhill.
“He will also take part in community work which replaces Academy players cleaning boots and baths of the senior team.”
Brimmer’s family, including father and coach Steve Brimmer — who helped facilitate the deal alongside Melbourne-based agency Twenty3 Sport & Entertainment — and talented young brother Sean will also relocate in June.
The Australian Joeys (U17s) player paid tribute to Rowville Sports Academy and its coaches — Stuart Munro, Ian Greener and Bobby McLaughlin.