Liverpool PROVED vs Real Madrid they have a secret weapon Pep Guardiola will NEVER have

Things are looking very bright for Liverpool at the moment.

After Jurgen Klopp's departure last season, nobody could have predicted the start Arne Slot would make early on in his managerial reign.

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The Dutchman has built on the foundations Klopp has built and has made Liverpool into an impenetrable unit. So strong they dominated the European champions with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Luka Modric on the pitch.

And there's one thing that has laid the key recipe for Slot's success. Something that has been brewing in the works at Liverpool for a long time.

Liverpool's secret weapon over Real Madrid and Man City

There's been a lot of talk over the last few years at Liverpool about transfers. Especially in contrast to Manchester City or Real Madrid, who have both been the foes in Liverpool's quest for silverware recently.

But while Real and City can spend £100m on a player and buy all the expensive shiny toys they wish, Liverpool have something better.

A secret weapon, so to speak, that was evident under the floodlights of Anfield on Wednesday night.

That weapon is the power of the club's academy. Something FSG has been building from strength to strength since they arrived at the club with their hire Alex Inglethorpe, overseeing a brilliant job over the last decade.

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Against Real Madrid, the fruits of Liverpool's work were laid clear for all to see.

It was Conor Bradley who provided the crucial assist for Alexis Mac Allister. It was Bradley who kept Kylian Mbappe in his pocket all night.

It was Caoimhin Kelleher who saved Kylian Mbappe's penalty, the only save he was required to make during the whole game.

And it was Curtis Jones who dominated the midfield and won the most duels in that area of the pitch while also completing the most dribbles in the game.

What does the trio have in common?

They all come from Liverpool's academy.

Liverpool make superstars not buy them

This has been the club's philosophy for a long time now. Liverpool will never compete with the riches of Real Madrid and Man City in the transfer market.

But when it comes to the strength of their ability to turn players into world-class stars, nobody on the planet can compete with Liverpool.

READ MORE: Liverpool handed MAJOR Conor Bradley injury blow

This is club is creating superstars at an unprecedented rate at the moment.

As well as having three academy stars on the pitch against Real Madrid, there was also Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench and five other academy players sitting on the bench for the Reds.

Madrid meanwhile had just one start the game in Raul Ascencio and he probably wouldn't have started either if it wasn't for the club's injury crisis.

So while Man City, who Liverpool face on Sunday, and Real Madrid, who Liverpool just vanquished, continue to spend millions and millions, the Reds will continue to invest in youth instead.

And they will continue to succeed. Because there are many more talents coming through the ranks, just take a look at the players out on loan or in the academy right now.

This is only the beginning of an academy dynasty for Liverpool.

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