---Official John Flanagan Thread---

[LFC4LIFE]

John Flanagan



First Name: John
Surname: Flanagan
Position: Right Back
D.O.B.: 1 Jan 1993
Town of Birth: Liverpool
Nationality: English

Profile

John is a tough tackling right-back who hails from Liverpool.

He is known for his aerial ability and composure on the ball and made a huge impression during his first campaign with the U18s.

The teen full-back has since featured for the reserves on a number of occasions and played his part in the second-string's double Senior Cup success of 2010.

[LFC4LIFE]

There is a fine tradition of tough tackling Scouse full backs at Anfield with Gerry Byrne, Tommy Smith and Jamie Carragher being perhaps the best examples. But since Carragher converted to a regular role in central defence Liverpool have lacked a locally produced player on the defensive flanks who would think nothing of running through a brick wall - and anyone foolish enough to get in his way - for the good of the team.

This is just one reason why hopes are high that teenage right back Jonathan Flanagan will be the next youngster to emerge from the club's Academy to make a big impression at reserve team level and then, if progress continues to be made, on the first team itself.

Flanagan doesn't just like a tackle, he absolutely loves making them. Regular watchers of Liverpool's U18 team will know exactly what he is about and they will appreciate his fully committed, never say die attitude. Having been one of Liverpool's most impressive performers at that level during last season, Flanagan found himself promoted into John McMahon's squad and the leap in standards did not phase him, he just got on with the job in hand with the minimum of fuss, defending with a characteristic zeal but never missing the chance to get forward and get crosses into the box whenever the opportunity presented itself.

One moment in particular involving Flanagan sticks out in my mind. It came during a fiercely competitive U18s derby game against Everton at Finch Farm which Liverpool ended up winning 4-3 after finding themselves a couple of goals down. Flanagan was on the receiving end of a stray elbow from an Everton player which the referee missed and he was clearly upset at the challenge. It would have been easy for him to react the wrong way and perhaps get himself into a bit of trouble but he calmly got on with the game, letting his football do the talking instead of being drawn into doing something foolish.

That showed his growing maturity but it didn't suggest he was losing his competitive edge because when the chance came to let his aggressor know that he wouldn't be bullied Flanagan took it, producing a tackle of such ferocity that his opponent ended up not knowing which part of his body required treatment the most. Best of all, though, was the fact that Flanagan had taken the ball, it was the cleanest of tackles but also one of immense power that was totally in keeping with the tradition that he is looking to follow.

There is still a long way to go before Flanagan can repeat the journey into Liverpool's first team that was made by the likes of Carragher, Byrne and Smith but the raw materials are in place and so, equally importantly, is the desire.

[lfcJT07]

Great to see another home grown lad coming through!

[Kopstarsteve1988]

Tough tackling and aerial ability, looks so damn impressive.

[lfcJT07]

Lets hope in a few seasons he will be challenging for that RB spot!

[LFC4LIFE]

Im sure he will be. If we want a defender who's main aim is to stop the winger then really he should be playing in the 1st team now!

[lfcJT07]

Im sure he will be. If we want a defender who's main aim is to stop the winger then really he should be playing in the 1st team now!

LOL! perhaps!

[lfcJT07]

Looks like hes in the squad/team tonight.

Hope he has a solid game, what a chance to impress Kenny this is!.

[LFC4LIFE]

Hope he has a good game if selected, he's very highly rated at the club.

[SuperLuisSuarez#7]

All the best

[lfcJT07]

Flanagan trending worldwide on Twitter

[LFC4LIFE]

Let's hope he's trending after the game for a good performance aswell!

[Assassin]

Good to see Flanny getting a run.

[LFC4LIFE]

The performance of Flanagan was also cause for delight amongst Liverpool fans - and Dalglish was eager to praise the maturity of the young Scouser.

The boss joked: "He never knew he was playing until about quarter to six - we wouldn't have had enough tickets to go round if we had told him he was playing!

"The family would have been inundating the club with ticket requests and there weren't any to be sold, so we had to keep it quiet.

"He did fantastic. He was playing against Manchester City and an international in (James) Milner, but it never even fazed him. He just went out and played. He took one down on his chest early doors and passed it away, and I think that settled him down.

"He did not look fazed in any way, shape or form and it's a fantastic credit to him that he did as well as he did.

"It's a reflection of the good work that has been done at the Academy in the last year and a half."

[lfcJT07]

"He never knew he was playing until about quarter to six - we wouldn't have had enough tickets to go round if we had told him he was playing!

[Samet]

What a perfomance. the talent is glowing off him you can tell from the twist, turns, first touches, passing long and short.

He played like a vetaran today so comfortable on the ball and he wants the ball too.

Injury's aren't always a bad thing

[Kopstarsteve1988]

Flanno: Debut was for my dad

John Flanagan has dedicated his Reds debut to his dad - who was once on Liverpool's books without ever making the grade.

Debuts don't come much better than that enjoyed by the 18-year-old as Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win over Manchester City in front of a jubilant Anfield.

Afterwards Flanagan spoke to Liverpoolfc.tv about his pride at going a step further than his dad, Jonathan.

"My dad was on the books and didn't make it," said the Academy product. "He is proud. He was up there in the stands and I'm going to see him now. This is for him."

Injuries to Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly resulted in a surprise elevation for Flanagan - but he never looked troubled against City's high-earners.

This after discovering just two hours before kick-off that his lifelong dream was about to be realised.

"It's a dream come true - the fans are amazing so what can I say? Brilliant," he said.

"I found out two hours before kick-off. We had a meeting, the manager named the squad and I was in it. I was delighted.

"Kenny was giving me advice, telling me not to be nervous and to get on the ball, do what I do and keep it simple. That helped me a lot.

"I was obviously nervous - first game against Man City, a big team. But I just tried to get the job done and we got a good win.

"I'm feeling great. It was a great win, all the lads are made up. Brilliant. It was my first game so to win 3-0 is great."

Flanagan was guided through the game by Jamie Carragher, who was operating immediately to his left.

The right-back added: "He is a great help, always talking and down your ear, telling you what to do. It's great."


Got a feeling he might well start against Arsenal, be a big test for him.

[Kopstarsteve1988]

Jones hails Flanagan debut

Former Liverpool full-back Rob Jones today hailed the debut performance of John Flanagan against Manchester City - and predicted the youngster can look forward to a bright Anfield future.

Flanagan was drafted into the Reds' side for the visit of Roberto Mancini's men following an injury crisis in Kenny Dalglish's defence - and never put a foot wrong during an emphatic 3-0 victory.

Jones, who made his name with an assured debut as a teenager when up against Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford, admits he was impressed with the 18-year-old's assured performance.

"Flanagan did superbly," said Jones. "As a Liverpool fan, you're watching the game and hoping the young lad doesn't make a mistake, but he never looked like that was going to happen, he was great.

"He looked very comfortable on the ball, always looked to pass it, and did all his defensive duties really well. He certainly never looked overawed by the occasion, and he can be very pleased with his performance.

"I've been watching Martin Kelly for the past six months, and he has been great. Now Flanagan has emerged, it looks even better for the club.

"You usually get maybe one player every two years or so come through, but these two have come through around the same time, and they look really comfortable.

"And of course, these young players - Jay Spearing as well - are lucky enough to have someone like Kenny Dalglish to guide them through. That must give a young player so much confidence, to have Kenny behind them.

"I used to have it with Graeme Souness, I'd always think that if he rated me enough to put me in the team then I must be doing something right, and it is the same with Kenny.

"You only need to look at the way the senior players have responded since he has come back, he has given the players confidence, and there is a buzz around the club again."

"Having senior players alongside you is priceless when you are making your first appearances, I had Jan Molby, Ian Rush, Bruce Grobbelaar alongside me on my debut, and it helped me so much. You can't beat experience.

"I noticed as the players left the field that Pepe Reina went over and gave Flanagan a pat on the head to say 'well done', and I'm sure all the senior players will have been full of praise for him in the dressing room afterwards.

"John will know himself that he has had a good, solid game, but still to have the likes of Kenny, Pepe or Jamie Carragher come over and say 'well played' will mean an awful lot, and give him a lot of confidence.

"He's had a nice, steady debut, and looked very confident. But that is the easy part. The hard part now is to keep it going, keep working hard and try to keep his place in the team.

"He has to get his head down, work hard, and listen to those around him - Carra, Kenny Dalglish and so on. If he can do that, he can have a very good career for Liverpool."

[LFC4LIFE]

[KopiteWD]

Great match by flanagan, and great cruncher of a challenge at 0:46!

[lfcJT07]

The man is solid!!

[k41f]

great performance..another great debut

[SuperLuisSuarez#7]

His performance was top class on monday, this is what you get when you take a chance with the young guns!!

[lfc4ever]

he is a great passer of the ball

[LFC4LIFE]

Flanagan ruled out for England
28th May 2011

John Flanagan has withdrawn from England's U19 squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers.

The 18-year-old full-back, who made a solid impression in the Reds first-team during the final stages of the season, has returned home after picking up a calf injury.

Flanagan told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I'm obviously disappointed, particularly as I've not played for England before. But I won't let it overshadow what has been a very good season for me and I'll be raring to go when pre-season gets underway."

Liverpool still have six players in the Three Lions' squad for the elite qualifying matches against Montenegro, Spain and host nation Switzerland that will run from May 31- June 5.