Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool are taking a major gamble byputting their faith in raw rookies at the expense of more experienced stars.
Liverpool captain Gerrard believes the growing trend inEnglish football to throw untested youngsters into the first team and faze outthe wise old heads could backfire on clubs, with his concern triggered by thecurrent youth revolution at Anfield.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers and the club's American ownershave made it their policy to sign young players and the likes of Joe Allen,Fabio Borini and Daniel Sturridge, all yet to celebrate their twenty fourthbirthdays, have been recruited over the last six months.
Gerrard, 32, is unsure whether that is the right plan toensure Liverpool, currently eighth in the Premier League, get back tochallenging for the Champions League places again.
The England midfielder cited the signing of Gary McAllister,who arrived at Anfield as a 35-year-old in 2000, as crucial to his owndevelopment and he is convinced balancing the age of the squad is a vitalelement of a successful run.
"I disagree with the (youth) policy to be honest,"Gerrard was quoted as saying in several English newspapers.
"I've seen many signings throughout the world who havegone to clubs at the age of 28, 29 or even older and done fantastic jobs. GaryMcAllister when he came here, for one.
"I can understand the policy that everyone wants young,bright, British players - but I don't agree 100 percent that that should be theonly way.
"I learned bucket loads from Gary McAllister."
Liverpool are not the only club who have focused on youththis term, with Chelsea yet to offer new deals to veterans Frank Lampard andAshley Cole, while Aston Villa's fight against relegation is being undertakenwith a vastly inexperienced squad.
"The main example at the moment is if Chelsea don'tkeep Frank Lampard. Someone is going to get a bargain. What is he, 34?"Gerrard said.
"It's not my business what Chelsea do but if they don'trenew Frank's contract someone else is going to get a really good player for afew years.
