FeatureMeet the Academy: Matty Wright's journey from non-league to Liverpool disbelief

The goalkeeper was turning out for Moorside Rangers, a non-league side based in Manchester, a little more than two years ago.

Fast-forward to now, Wright is a few weeks on from signing his first full professional contract at Liverpool.

His journey up to this point has been unorthodox but is one he views as hugely beneficial.

"I think it's two sides of football and it's really good for me that I've got both," Wright tells Liverpoolfc.com.

"Non-league and playing at Moorside teaches you everything Liverpool and top academies can't in that you need to learn the physical side of the game, the dark arts and ultimately playing for three points.

"It's a different style of football but one that's definitely benefited me and helped me get to where I am now."

On the set-up at non-league, he explains: "You're turning up to what is basically a portable cabin as a changing room and it's obviously quite basic – but it serves a purpose at the end of the day, doesn't it?

"Pitches are, again, a bit different to this, definitely quite lively – but again, that helps you as a footballer as well.

"I think when you come to a place like this from somewhere like that, it is important you don't take anything for granted. You see both sides of football and it makes this even more impressive."

Wright has established himself as a Liverpool U18s starter this season and even been called up to train with the senior team on the odd occasion.

"I mean, if you would have just said to me two years ago, this is where I am now... I've always backed myself but maybe I wouldn't fully have believed it," the 18-year-old admits.

"Every day you're driving into the AXA, it takes your breath away – the building, the facilities. Even though you are coming in every day, you can't take it for granted and it's just as special every day.

"Being in this environment with the best coaches in the country, I think it's only ever going to help you go in one direction. Having last year helped me find my feet and make progress on and off the pitch.

"I think it's put me in a good position going into this season. Hopefully I'll look to push on."

Wright became a 'keeper by happy accident after sticking his hand up to go in net for his junior team when the usual teammate was absent.

That chance introduction to the position sparked an obsession with it, meticulously studying goalkeeping icons in an attempt to bring their qualities into his own game.

"Obviously Alisson [Becker] is a big one for me," Wright shares. "I think watching him play on telly as a youngster, he's always done things slightly differently, like a different style but one that's probably up there with the best in the world and the most effective shot-stopper, one-v-one goalkeeper in the world.

"I think [Manuel] Neuer as well for me – I've always been fascinated with him. The way he plays, again, it's a different style and I think one that revolutionised goalkeeping with his sweeper style.

"I think probably I'd describe myself as brave, wanting to – similar to Alisson – get into people's faces, make big saves, spread myself and become as effective a shot-stopper as I can.

"I try to be vocal. I think that's something non-league taught me – that you can't hide in games. You have to have that presence physically but vocally as well.

"You're the only person on the pitch that can see it all at all times and I think you have to help your team as much as you can in that sense."

Having ticked off the milestone of inking his recent deal, Wright now has his sights set on a climb up the ranks.

He finishes: "I think for me for this season it's just picking up as many minutes as I can. My goal is to push into the U21s and hopefully get minutes there as well.

"And then long term, obviously I've had a little taste with the first team and that's made me hungry for more. Ultimately, that's why everyone's here and that's where I want to get to."