Latest news with #YoungPlayer
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Midfielder Signs New Contract
Luca Stephenson Commits Future to Liverpool and Heads Back to Dundee United Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson has signed a new contract with the club and will continue his development with a season-long loan at Dundee United. The 21-year-old, known for his versatility in midfield and defence, enjoyed a breakthrough year in Scotland and will return to Tannadice Park for the 2025-26 campaign. Breakthrough Season in Scotland Stephenson's first spell at Dundee United in 2024-25 proved a turning point. He played 34 matches, scored three goals, and was instrumental in helping the club secure fourth place in the Scottish Premiership, earning them a place in European competition. His performances were recognised with the Young Player of the Season award, cementing his reputation as one of the league's most promising young talents. Arriving at Liverpool from Sunderland at Under-15 level, Stephenson is yet to make his senior competitive debut for the Reds. However, he featured in four pre-season friendlies this summer under Arne Slot, gaining valuable minutes alongside the first-team squad. Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season in charge, is expected to keep a close watch on Stephenson's progress. Previous First-Team Experience The midfielder's first exposure to senior football came in 2023-24 during a loan spell at Barrow in League Two. That experience laid the groundwork for his successful move to Dundee United, where he adapted quickly to the physical and tactical demands of the Scottish top flight. Stephenson first signed professional terms with Liverpool in 2020. His decision to extend his contract reflects both the club's belief in his potential and his own commitment to breaking into the senior squad in the future. Targeting Further Growth at Dundee United Speaking after securing the deal, Stephenson expressed his enthusiasm for another year in Scotland. While the new contract ensures his long-term future is at Liverpool, the focus for now is on building on last season's progress with Dundee United. The club's qualification for European competition adds an extra challenge and opportunity for the young midfielder to test himself at a higher level. With Liverpool's midfield options deep and competitive, a season of regular football in a demanding environment could prove crucial. Stephenson's return to Tannadice offers Dundee United a player already proven in their system, and it gives Liverpool a clearer picture of how he performs under pressure.
The Independent
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Michelle Agyemang describes Lionesses camp during Euro 2025 campaign
Michelle Agyemang, 19, has praised the England squad for their support during the Lionesses ' victorious Euro 2025 campaign. As the youngest member of the squad, Agyemang joined the team with just one England cap for the tournament in Switzerland. She scored vital equalising goals in the quarter-final against Sweden and the semi-final versus Italy, despite a quiet group stage. Agyemang was named Young Player of the Tournament and highlighted how her teammates were "so loving, kind and caring", taking her "under their wing". She described feeling immense gratitude and disbelief at the team's journey and victory, particularly after the final penalty scored by Chloe Kelly. Michelle Agyemang praises England squad for 'taking me under their wing' at Euro 2025
South Wales Argus
27-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Agyemang can inspire next generation of Lionesses, former coach says
Youngsters from Agyemang's hometown gathered at a small community centre in South Ockendon, Essex, to cheer on the Lionesses to victory at the Euro 2025 final. The biggest applause was for the 19 year-old striker who just a few years ago was also playing at Brandon Groves FC. Agyemang was named The Young Player of the Tournament on Sunday as England triumphed on penalties against Spain after a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team of under 13-year-olds, said: 'We are proud of Michelle, obviously, but we are also proud of our our girls' team here who play and train every week. They are consistent. 'Michelle's success and the Lionesses' success will only help that and it will only drive our girls on even further over the next year. It will also bring more girls into football locally as well.' He said it was 'amazing' to see Agyemang scoop the Young Player award after scoring two goals, making six attempts and having a 77.5% passing accuracy rating in the competition. Paula Howes, vice chair of Brandon Grove FC, said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' Agyemang was named Young Player of the Tournament (Nick Potts/PA) Agyemang, who had one England cap before the tournament, has been a rising star in this competition, and twice became the team's saviour with equalisers in their quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score crucial equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-final and Italy in the last four. She also came on as a substitute in the final as England eventually saw off Spain on penalties to retain the trophy. Agyemang was picked as young player of the tournament by the Uefa Technical Observer Group who for her outstanding impact, both individually and for England. They said: 'Michelle made a great contribution to help England reach the final. 'She came on and both times got the goals that England needed to get through.' Lena Kowalska, 12, who plays midfield for the local team, said she was really impressed and inspired by Agyemang. She said: 'It is the fact that at her age, she can already be playing in the Euros and with the top women, it just makes me feel that we could do it one day if we are hard working as well.'
South Wales Guardian
27-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Agyemang can inspire next generation of Lionesses, former coach says
Youngsters from Agyemang's hometown gathered at a small community centre in South Ockendon, Essex, to cheer on the Lionesses to victory at the Euro 2025 final. The biggest applause was for the 19 year-old striker who just a few years ago was also playing at Brandon Groves FC. Agyemang was named The Young Player of the Tournament on Sunday as England triumphed on penalties against Spain after a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team of under 13-year-olds, said: 'We are proud of Michelle, obviously, but we are also proud of our our girls' team here who play and train every week. They are consistent. It's home, again. — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 'Michelle's success and the Lionesses' success will only help that and it will only drive our girls on even further over the next year. It will also bring more girls into football locally as well.' He said it was 'amazing' to see Agyemang scoop the Young Player award after scoring two goals, making six attempts and having a 77.5% passing accuracy rating in the competition. Paula Howes, vice chair of Brandon Grove FC, said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' Agyemang, who had one England cap before the tournament, has been a rising star in this competition, and twice became the team's saviour with equalisers in their quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score crucial equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-final and Italy in the last four. She also came on as a substitute in the final as England eventually saw off Spain on penalties to retain the trophy. Agyemang was picked as young player of the tournament by the Uefa Technical Observer Group who for her outstanding impact, both individually and for England. They said: 'Michelle made a great contribution to help England reach the final. 'She came on and both times got the goals that England needed to get through.' Lena Kowalska, 12, who plays midfield for the local team, said she was really impressed and inspired by Agyemang. She said: 'It is the fact that at her age, she can already be playing in the Euros and with the top women, it just makes me feel that we could do it one day if we are hard working as well.'
North Wales Chronicle
27-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Agyemang can inspire next generation of Lionesses, former coach says
Youngsters from Agyemang's hometown gathered at a small community centre in South Ockendon, Essex, to cheer on the Lionesses to victory at the Euro 2025 final. The biggest applause was for the 19 year-old striker who just a few years ago was also playing at Brandon Groves FC. Agyemang was named The Young Player of the Tournament on Sunday as England triumphed on penalties against Spain after a 1-1 draw. On Sunday, Roy Enright, 45, who manages the girls' team of under 13-year-olds, said: 'We are proud of Michelle, obviously, but we are also proud of our our girls' team here who play and train every week. They are consistent. It's home, again. — Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025 'Michelle's success and the Lionesses' success will only help that and it will only drive our girls on even further over the next year. It will also bring more girls into football locally as well.' He said it was 'amazing' to see Agyemang scoop the Young Player award after scoring two goals, making six attempts and having a 77.5% passing accuracy rating in the competition. Paula Howes, vice chair of Brandon Grove FC, said: 'I think she (Agyemang) has got that determination and that drive on the pitch, and the girls can connect with that. 'It is also knowing that she is a local girl as well, I think that helps give them the motivation and drive, to know that you can start at grassroots football and progress up to the higher level, if you work at it.' Agyemang, who had one England cap before the tournament, has been a rising star in this competition, and twice became the team's saviour with equalisers in their quarter-final and semi-final comebacks. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score crucial equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-final and Italy in the last four. She also came on as a substitute in the final as England eventually saw off Spain on penalties to retain the trophy. Agyemang was picked as young player of the tournament by the Uefa Technical Observer Group who for her outstanding impact, both individually and for England. They said: 'Michelle made a great contribution to help England reach the final. 'She came on and both times got the goals that England needed to get through.' Lena Kowalska, 12, who plays midfield for the local team, said she was really impressed and inspired by Agyemang. She said: 'It is the fact that at her age, she can already be playing in the Euros and with the top women, it just makes me feel that we could do it one day if we are hard working as well.'
