Central Midfielder
0 Goals
2 Appearances (as of 4/7/09)
Youth Product
BACKGROUND BEFORE LFC
There isn’t much known on this one from my end, to be fair, other than that he’s had quite a bit of time with the Liverpool U-18 set-up, winning the Youth Cups in 2006 and 2007, as well as captaining the Liverpool Reserves to the title in 2007-2008. Spearing grew up as a Liverpool lad, and has been at the club since he was eight years old!
SIGNING FOR, AND SETTLING INTO, LFC
Rafa was impressed with Spearing’s contributions to the Youth Cup cause in 2006 and 2007, and called him up to Melwood to train with the first team and reserves in the summer of 2007. Spearing has only played twice for LFC, both Champions League games that were already well won, but he has greatly impressed on both occasions. Many people would like to see Rafa give Spearing a fair shout at seeing what he could do. Perhaps he has a better chance than, let’s say, Plessis. Just a hunch.
STYLE OF PLAY
Can you say BULLDOG? He’s a lot like Javier Mascherano, but more offensively minded. He thinks like Gerrard but plays like Masch, if that makes sense. What he might lack in ability, he more than makes up for in attitude and commitment to the cause. Spearing’s work rate and defensive pressure up front are his biggest assets despite being quite small and, like I said, not the most graceful on the ball.
BEST MOMENTS
Without question Spearing’s best moment, other than lifting the Reserve team’s trophy, was certainly the “There’s Only One Jay Spearing” chant at Anfield as Spearing harried Real Madrid into a host of mistakes. He was outstanding out there, and the Kop appreciated his efforts. Being a local lad probably made it that much more special for him. Let’s hope he can continue to be that kind of impact player for us.
TOUGH TIMES
A broken leg in 2006 hampered Spearing’s progress quite a bit, missing out on much of Liverpool’s Youth Cup run. He has made a full recovery since then, much like Warnock did before breaking into the side back in 2004, and will hope to get some first-team action now that he’s continuing to do well for the reserves.
2008-2009 SEASON VERDICT
Hard to give a fair verdict when there has only been two games played, both as subs late on. But so far, so good!
LFC CAREER VERDICT
Same as above! I think he’s given himself a real chance to become someone in the reckoning. Will he usurp Mascherano or Alonso? Doubtful. Lucas? Maybe. Either way, his passion and work rate will give him the opportunity to at least have a shot at it.
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