Finally! Liverpool’s Next Big Thing Has Arrived; Jay Spearing
by YNWA on September 23rd, 2009 457 words | 45 commentsTop notch youngster.
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Jay Spearing reflected on his first start for Liverpool and admitted it was a special night as he helped the Reds reach the fourth round of the Carling Cup after a 1-0 win over Leeds United.
The Wirral-born midfielder lasted the full 90 minutes and the boyhood Red played his part as Rafael Benitez’s side had to work hard for the victory against Simon Grayson’s spirited side.“It was a very special night for me to make my first start for the club,” the Reds No.26 told Liverpoolfc.tv.
“To play the full 90 minutes was fantastic and we had to work hard for the win.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable and it was a great cup tie to play in.”
The 20-year-old only found out he was playing a couple of hours before kick-off, and added: “When I was warming up it was more excitement than nerves to be honest.
“We trained in the formation we used on the night on Monday so I thought I might have a chance of starting, and then when we got to the hotel the boss told me I was playing.
“It has been a long time coming waiting for my first start but I’ve had to keep grafting hard and wait for my chance. I knew it was going to come soon and thankfully we got the result we needed.
“I thought we battled well and it was a team effort. We wanted to get through so we can play more games in this competition.”
Spearing now hopes that his run-out at Leeds can be the springboard to future starts in the red shirt. (Official Liverpool Website)
After a very long period without effectively using our youth and academy systems to full effect, Liverpool have a few youngsters coming through at the same time and it’s a testament to the determination and success of our current coaches and scouts that has seen an upturn in the amount of youth players Rafa can happily use.
Benitez clearly has taken on board the much anticipated ‘homegrown’ rulings and is well on the way to having half a dozen players on the fringes of the first team picture who happily adhere to the guidelines and Spearing is perhaps the most advanced of those in his armoury.
The young impish midfielder has grit and desire and a fair amount of skill and good footballing brain and perhaps best of all you can see just how much passion and love he has for the club and that should stand him in good stead in the coming years.
YNWA
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anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 9:53 am
Thought he was lightweight to be honest. not a premier league player.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
From what I saw of him last night he is definately on par with Lucas atleast so why not give him a run out now and then? He played some class little through balls. He could be a talent.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 10:05 am
Saw him last season. Think he has more pride playing for Liverpool and is better than Lucas in that postion. Needs more games at top level could play next to Javier any day.
Retryboy - September 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 am
Think spearing is a good prospect and his desire and pride in the liverpool shirt make him even more so don’t agree that he is the most advanced of the young players think nemeth and darby are but even if he is just used off the bench and in carling and fa cups for this season sure jay won’t let anyone down he never has done yet and his passing and football brain as well as his tackling and passion are a real plus and having watched him a lot in the reserves he can bang them in from long distance too has fluffed the couple he has attempted at senior level so far but the boy can shoot give him a chance rafa
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
He must get bigger . To really compet
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
By the time this “have a go” makes it in the first team Liverpool will be in administration and fighting it out in League 1! FACT
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
Pity Benitez fell out with Heighway and systematically destroyed a successful youth team. Jay is one of many that should have been on the verge of the first team.
If Jay can establish himself as a first team regular, let’s hope Heighway and the Academy staff who have been so unfairly treated, receive the praise they deserve and Benitez doesn’t bask in the glory.
Seems Heighway was right all along about Jay. Must be hard for Benitez to eat humble pie.
Let’s hope, Darby, Kelly, Irwin, Ecclestone and others who are the remainder of Heighways elite are given the same chance.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 11:30 am
He needs to get bigger? like Iniesta? Silva? Messi? If physicality was so vital we would still have Sissoko in our midfield. In the second half, after about twenty minutes of pushing forward post-break he looked tired but that is to be expected. In the main he was brilliant, the range of passing was good, he spread the play well, has a good first touch, covered the defence brilliantly in the first half and most importantly looked like he wanted to affect the game. That is a level of ambition and strength of will that most of our fringe players lack.
If he is allowed to develop into the player is clearly can be, instead of trying to pointlessly fulfil some ill-concieved idea of the “typical Premiership midfielder” (which would be who btw? Lee Bowyer?) he will develop his game and become a major, MAJOR asset in the next two to three years.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Well, what can we say, Spearing has wanked Benitez’s dick for the last 2-3 seasons. Now that Rafael made the big-splash, he gives the very Fucked-up Stevie G a rest and plays the boy called Spearing.
No offence to Liverpool, but we all know that YOU’LL NEVA WIN THE LEAGUE!!
Hence, just replace “You’ll never walk alone” with “You’ll never win the league (Under Parry/Hicks and Benitez)”
footybanter.co.uk - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
He was okay, won’t break into the side immediately but may have more options when the youngster rules are implemented. I was more impressed with Degen’s performance.
Hoogleboogybugleboy - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm
No offence to Liverpool, but we all know that YOU’LL NEVA WIN THE LEAGUE!!
And you know this as a fact do you anon 12:02?
Hoogleboogybugleboy - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pm
I also thought that Degan played well. Best I’ve seen him play. Dossena was again woeful.
Spearing plays with passion and I really hope that he makes it as he is a born and bred red and when SG and Carra retire we are going to need a scouser in the team.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
LIverpool have and will never win the Premier League!
Hoogleboogybugleboy - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:27 pm
LIverpool have and will never win the Premier League!
And you know this as fact do you anon 12.23?
stevono1 - September 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm
My Precious….. lol
Spearing had a decent game and will be decent to bring on from the bench and FA & league cup.
Was impressed by Ngog, Degen & Kyriakokokokokokos, Babbel had an okay game but his quiet spells worried me.
Did the commentators on skysports do anybody else’s heads in? Constantly going on about the offside goal, and Masch flailing arm! I seem to remember a few leeds players leaving their feet in, but that was never really mentioned.
Riera worries me, one minute he seems really quick the next the honey monster could beat him in a 50/50. Not sure if this is an effort or fitness thing.
PS I find it quite ammusing that peoples clubs are that mundane taht they bother to come on to a Liverpool blog and slag us off. Sad Tw**s!!
THE BIG I AM - September 23rd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
This is hilarious . . . .hes started only one game and played about 10 minutes in two champions league games and now hes the . . . “next big thing” . . . . hes far, far far far far from it! when stevie was 20 hed already broken into the first team! dont get me wrong id love to see him do well and become a first teamer but give credit were credits due . . . and non is due . . . he had an average game against a league one side . . .. thats it . . . . .
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Having tracked his progress in the reserves for a couple of years, it was great to see him get the nod at last. He’s not the finished product and is still learning his trade, but at 21 his time is NOW. He needs games…and the Carling cup is the most sensible option (plus a few cameos from the bench in league games whenever possible) It’s a shame he never came on against Burnley, when the game was won.
We all know he’s a RED, through and through, but I’m just not sure that Rafa rates him that highly? Why else would he restrict his opportunities?
It’s very difficult to judge him this stage, but i really hope he makes it….he’s certainly got the fans backing. Everyone wants him to do well, but it’s a massive season for him.
Retryboy - September 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Anon at 11.55 as you state quite rightly we will never win the premiership under parry/hicks/rafa as rick parry left at the end of last season are you just confirming that there have been no new breakthroughs in the field of time travel recently?
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
nicely done Retryboy
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
degen played well last night, but i would like to see darby have a good go at right back in the fa cup and league cup.
also kelly should be given a go at centre back.
ngog seems to have improved alot, and babel as been playing alot better when on the right
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
just look when u give spearing a chance he takes it. it only took 10 mins vs real for the fans to warrant singing hes name. he is 3 years younger than lucas and in my opinion he is more of a finished player than lucas. he has very good passing and as he used to play center back he also has a good tackle. he scores a hatful of goals in the reserves and last season had a monopoly on the man of the match performances. and u might say this isnt anything to shout about dont forget degen has had a load of reserve games as has insua. play him ahead of lucas rafa please
RyanO - September 23rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Hmmm, now here’s a problem. Jay Spearing is not good enough, yet. He gets knocked off the ball and gives it away too easily. Now, obviously, he will gain strength with age, but he needs to stay with the reserves for another year or two. Also, he is most certainly NOT better than Lucas nor does he deserve to be in the team above him. I had thought the Lucas bashing was done for now, but I guess some people must still regurgitate the same old hat, secondary opinions. I say “secondary opinions”, because if you’ve watched Liverpool this season rather than just listen to the pundits on Sky or your mate down the pub, you would see a player who has made vast improvements and is quickly becoming an integral player in the squad. I’m not saying that he is a superstar, but he is a serviceable player who is beginning to play the Mascherano role quite well and will be a nice option off the bench. Stop slagging off your own players!
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
If hes the next big thing were in trouble good little player nothing more
Better then Lucas? dont talk shit, only in the “right winger” supporters eyes is he better
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Well, what can we say, Spearing has wanked Benitez’s dick for the last 2-3 seasons. Now that Rafael made the big-splash, he gives the very Fucked-up Stevie G a rest and plays the boy called Spearing.
No offence to Liverpool, but we all know that YOU’LL NEVA WIN THE LEAGUE!!
Hence, just replace “You’ll never walk alone” with “You’ll never win the league (Under Parry/Hicks and Benitez)”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
you may be schizophrenic, but at least u have each other..fucking balloon
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 4:17 pm
needs a good stretching
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 pm
RyanO, he needs to be put into the first team, in the prem soon so he knows where is stands physically, I think he’s mobile enough to find space at prem level, and that’s how he’ll hurt teams. It’s just a case of seeing if he has the presence and strength to make tackles rather than bounce off players at the top level, although he made Diarra (the only DM better than Mascha right now) look fairly inept during his cameo in the CL last year… and I’m not just basing that on the above image.
Just don’t judge a player on his height, awareness and finesse will always be more damaging than physical presence in football.
and I’m also a Lucas fan, now he feels confident enough to move more he’s turning up in dangerous areas, if he can avoid the moments of bad luck, we might see the best of him as he gains confidence (I’m happy to say I think is a long way from his potential best despite his improvement)
RaNE - September 23rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
spearing is ok just needs experience playing regular football at anfield WHICH HES NOT GETTING
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Ha ha ha, Liverpools next big thing! fantastic headline for the smallest ickle dwarf ever. Really tho lets not get carried away. Spearing has done well, but that is it for now, he aint looked a world beater. There is still more chance he’l be battling relegation with wolves or some shit in a few years than lifting trophies with us. Dont get me wrong i really hope he will be a succes, but this is mucho premature.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Some good points and bad points about Jay spearing i went to the game last night and i along with other liverpool fans thought we were lucky overall if we had got beat there would be no arguments. As for jay i along with other fans want him to do well but i feel he lacks height and strength and pace he did struggle a few times last night against a bigger more physical side. Yep you could all say its only his first game but if he isour future he has to be pulling up trees against League one players. However, on the other hand you could say last night game was leeds cup final and they had nothing to lose.. I really hope i’m wrong but i cant see jay being a superstar at liverpool.If he did start a few prem games i think he would be out of his depth. lucas on the otherhand is ahead of him in development and he aint that much older. i also feels Rafa is keping him sweet for the English homegrown rule in Europe.
Finally jay make me at my words and the very best of luck to you.
As for Gerrard last night what a sheer class world player he is. He was just coasting last night when he came on and they couldt get near him.
anonymous - September 23rd, 2009 at 6:29 pm
i think he is the next midfield general. just you wait in the next round of the carling cup when he scores from 40 yards, then well see whos not prem standard
anonymous - September 24th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Better then Lucas? dont talk shit, only in the “right winger” supporters eyes is he better.
I think you are the one talking shit if you rate Lucas. I just cant see what this player brings to Liverpool. Spearing for my mind deserves more game time than he is getting. Some posters say how can you judge him on his brief appearances, the answer is you cant. All that I can say is that for the appearances that he has made compared to the same start that Lucas made (and for my mind is still at) then he is streets ahead. Give Spearing some more sub appearances and I could nearly guarantee that you will see the benefit of having him in the team compared to the lack of benefit of having Lucas in the team.
Ngog for my mind is also coming on well and he is another who I believe will come good, but he needs game time.
anonymous - September 24th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
ANON 8.23
I take it you go to the games at anfield
anonymous - September 24th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
I go once a year, but I watch a lot of vids on youtube
anonymous - September 24th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
anonymous – September 24th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
ANON 8.23
I take it you go to the games at anfield
I go as often as I can why?
anonymous - September 25th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Well when you go the game reserves or first team you can see the difference between Lucas and spearing, lucas is a miles better player at the moment i hope this changes. and there aint much difference between there age jay is 21 this november and lucas is 23 in jan. Ensua is 21 in jan for me jay should be in the first team by now like these two are.
anonymous - September 25th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
LUCUS IS A WANKER
SPEARING IS A WANKER
Retryboy - September 25th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Spearing was always gr8 in the reserves whatever level he has played has always performed even champions league so give him a go in the premiership now, lucas maybe should have spent time in the reserves and been brought in gradually then he wouldn’t have been such a liability last season only reason he wasn’t was because he came in as a brazil under 21 captain and with a price tag rafa likes bringing ppl in slowly without the injuries to aurelio and dossena insua would only just be getting his chance think lucas is becoming a good squad player now, not worthy of starting when everyone is fit but worth keeping, spearing i feel has better attributes and more chance of making it further we will only see when he gets the chance
Jed - September 25th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
what kind of gay cunt name is jay?
little jay is gay
he likes walks a long the bay, some might say
he has problems with his hearing, after copping a spearing
from the fat waiter cunt all day
anonymous - September 25th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
5ft 6″, Shit he’s only just bigger than my 13 yo brother
isaac hunt - September 25th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
this is a joke right? he aint now where near gerrard standard and never will be. face facts he aint good enough or he would be playin.
Donavan Ried - September 26th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Players like Spearing are going to be worth their weight in gold to Liverpool now that we have a limited pot of £20m net each transfer window until 2014
anonymous - September 27th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
The people making the point that if he (Spearing) was good enough he would be playing must have selective vision. Lucas has never been worth his place in the 1st team but he is constantly played, at the begining of last season Dossena who was and still is brutal was playing a lot at the start of last season, Kuyt who couldnt hit a barn door from two paces and who couldnt cross a ball to save his life at the start of last season was constantly played and furthermore was the last one to be subbed and even that was rare.
Spearing should get his chance, fuck me Masch is no giant either and if the excuse is because of Spearings height then why is he still at the club, are people expecting him to grow 5 or 6 inches over the next year or so??????
Give me Spearing any day ahead of Lucas and the sooner Rafa realises that the better we will be………………………………………………………………………… same like he seems to of realised after x no of years that playing 2 def midfielders against poor teams at Anfield is not the way to go along with playing Babel on the right wing or up front but not on the left wing, it does seem to take a while for the penny to drop with Rafa……………………………… but hopefully he will eventually see sense bench Lucas and play Spearing………………………… and hopefully so will some of ye on here…………………
anonymous - September 28th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
For anyone having a go at his height (Utd fans in particular) I have two words for you… NOBBY STILES.
anonymous - September 28th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
xavi for barecelona is about 5ft7 not that big like and look what he does week in week out and when gerrard first started he wasnt on the level of most of the first team but he improved tremendously and united fans really shouldnt not be talking your center mids are exactly world class are they carrick and fletcher haha dont make me laugh anyway see use two weeks on saturday at anfield be one to watch boys we know what happened last time dont we nd the reply from you united fans will probaly be we won the league haha took use long enough to equal are record. The season has just started it will be over for use before you know it.
anonymous - September 30th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Maradona was 5ft 5