Liverpool have deployed an unusual tactic to help keep their academy prospects â including highly-rated forward Keyrol Figueroa â grounded as the progress through the youth ranks.
Liverpool’s academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, revealed an intriguing aspect of the club’s development strategy with the introduction of a “car clause” for young players. This policy aims to promote humility and safety among the club’s youth talent. Inglethorpe explained that players are discouraged from driving flashy or expensive cars, such as Range Rovers, to training sessions at Melwood. The rationale behind this is to avoid any potential distractions or negative perceptions among senior players, who may see such displays as overly arrogant or out of place.
By using examples of established first-team players like Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner, Inglethorpe emphasizes that players should maintain a sense of humility, no matter how successful they become. He also mentions the importance of prioritizing safety, as young players are responsible for driving powerful vehicles.
The policy is not about denying players the rewards of their success but ensuring they grow in a balanced environment. The “car clause” serves as a subtle reminder for players to earn their success, both on and off the field, without resorting to immediate displays of wealth or status.
Liverpool’s academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, has shared a unique approach the club takes to keep young players grounded and focused on their development. This policy, known as the “car clause,” is part of the terms in their contracts and serves as a reminder for players to avoid showing off wealth too early in their careers.
The clause prohibits academy players, including rising star Keyrol Figueroa, from driving flashy or expensive cars to training, such as Range Rovers. Inglethorpe explained that this measure is designed to promote humility and prevent young talents from becoming overly focused on material status. It also helps maintain harmony within the squad, as senior players may not appreciate seeing a younger player flaunt wealth in a way that could seem out of place.
The idea is not to deny success, but to emphasize earning it through hard work, rather than through immediate displays of affluence. Inglethorpe also highlighted the importance of safety, especially for young players driving powerful vehicles, and expressed concern over the pressures social media places on young footballers, often encouraging them to project a lifestyle they cannot maintain.
This strategy reflects Liverpool’s long-term vision of helping their youth players stay grounded, humble, and focused on their personal and professional growth as they progress through the ranks.
