Meet the Academy... Ryan McLaughlin
In the latest edition of our Meet the Academy feature, which seeks to shed further light on the aspiring talents developing their potential at the club's Kirkby youth base, full-back Ryan McLaughlin is under the spotlight.
Already a senior Northern Ireland international, the 20-year-old has moved into the fringes of the first team at Liverpool during the past two years by showing the raw defensive and attacking attributes required to progress.
In our exclusive Q&A below, McLaughlin reveals the winger he considers the most skilful at his level, which clinical Brazilian striker was his idol as a child and the highlight of his career with the Reds so far...
Date of birth
September 30, 1994
Place of birth
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Position
Right-back
First team you played for?
Grosvenor Youth
When did you join Liverpool?
July 2011
Who was your idol growing up?
The Brazilian Ronaldo
Who did you support growing up?
Celtic
Favourite sport other than football?
Basketball
Favourite subject at school?
Drama and Physical Education
Favourite food?
Irish stew
What is the best book you've read?
The Harry Potter books
Favourite holiday destination?
Orlando, Florida
Which Liverpool player do you most admire?
Steven Gerrard
Who is the most skilful player at your level?
Jordon Ibe
Best football match you've ever seen?
The 2005 Champions League final
What has been the highlight of your Liverpool career so far?
Playing for the first team in a friendly
Describe Liverpool in one word...
Passionate
Ultimate dream in football?
To win silverware with Liverpool