---
title: "Look to the Future: Musker meets Lussey"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/columns/look-to-the-future-musker-meets-lussey/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Joe Musker"
section: "Columns"
published: "2013-03-24T11:25:44Z"
modified: "2013-08-23T14:30:26Z"
---

# Look to the Future: Musker meets Lussey

Liverpool’s youth development is gaining additional attention with every passing match. Be it a Next Gen game, an FA Youth Cup Quarter-Final or just your normal Saturday morning league match at the Kirkby academy, a huge amount of focus and interest is being focused on those youngsters by fans and the clubs coaching staff alike.

Brendan Rodgers is well known for his work with young players, and with club owners Fenway Sports Group also very keen to see the club churn out youngsters to make the switch from youth player to first team squad player, and in turn eventually the step to first team regular, there is once again a huge emphasis on youth promotion at Anfield.

One player making a name for himself at present is eighteen year old centre midfielder Jordan Lussey. The Ormskirk born youngster is very highly regarded at Liverpool and has really impressed in the last few seasons.

Lussey’s exceptional range of passing and knack of scoring goals from midfield have seen him excel at U18s level, so much so that he was made captain of the U18s side by now first team coach, Mike Marsh.

Currently out injured with a hand injury, Lussey took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about the academy, his idols, and his hopes for next season.

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**Musker:** Firstly Jordan, how did the operation go, and when are we likely to see you return to action?

**Lussey:** *“The operation went well. I was a bit nervy beforehand, going into it, as it was my first op, but everything was fine. I won’t be training for a week or so now, and I’ll have to wait for further X-rays before I know for sure about when I can play again, but I’m hoping for the best.”*

**Musker:** We’ve seen you play as an attacking midfielder, and more recently in a deep lying role. What is you preferred role in centre midfield?

**Lussey:** *“If I had to pick, it would be attacking midfield. As with any footballer, I like to score goals, so the higher up the pitch I am, the more likely that is to happen, but I’m happy to play anywhere, as long as it’s for this great club.”*

**Musker:** Who was your footballing hero growing up?

**Lussey:** *“No question, Steven Gerrard. Xabi Alonso also gets a special mention, those are two players I’ve always admired massively.”*

**Musker:** How often is Brendan Rodgers in contact with you and the other players at the academy?

**Lussey:** *“Brendan was down at the academy the other day, talking to both the u18s and the u21s. Just hearing the way he speaks fills everyone with confidence.”*

**Musker:** How have you found it when you’ve been invited to train at Melwood with the first team yourself?

**Lussey:** *“I was last down at Melwood the day after we came back from our trip to Singapore. I was lucky enough to play in a training match, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”*

***Musker:*** How motivating is it to have a manager like Rodgers in charge; seeing him reward the likes of Jordon Ibe and Jerome Sinclair with places in the first team squad this season?

**Lussey:** *“It’s a massive boost for everyone, and as a Livepool fan myself, it’s extremely exciting.”*

**Musker:** Have you seen a difference in the u18s and u21s sides since both age groups switched formations to 4-3-3?

**Lussey:** *“I think the 4-3-3 gives the side a whole different option. It’s a very attacking and exciting formation and we are working hard, on, and off the field to master it.”*

**Musker:** Do you feel you all, as players, learn a lot from the Next Gen Series?

**Lussey:** *“Definitely! It’s a chance to play in great stadiums, as well as of a front a crowd. It’s a different ball game to playing on the normal Saturday at Kirkby. It’s a great experience.”*

**Musker:** If you had to predict one player at the academy to go on and ‘make it’ at Liverpool, who would you say?

**Lussey:** *“I couldn’t pick one. I’ve been playing here for nearly eleven years, and this is definitely the best crop of players we’ve had. I strongly believe anyone could make the step up, and they wouldn’t look out of place!”*

**Musker:** And finally Jordan, what is your main aim for next season?

**Lussey:** *“My aim for next season is to push on, and try and get a place in the u21s starting line up. It’s going to be a big year for me, and I’m very excited to work under Alex Inglethorpe.”*

**Musker:** Thanks very much Jordan. Good luck with your recovery, and best of luck for the rest of the season.