'Why Pepe is world's best'

Academy goalkeeper Jamie Stephens has revealed how a training session with the man he regards as 'the best goalkeeper in the world' has helped him make a flying start to life at Liverpool.

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The 17-year-old arrived at the Reds' Kirkby-base from Swindon Town back in April and has since made a good impression for Rodolfo Borrell's new-look side.

He admits life has been something of a whirlwind since swapping the rural settings of Wootton for Merseyside and is still pinching himself about the move six months on.

"I went up and trained with Pepe and it was really hard," he told Liverpoolfc.tv at the Academy.

"I really wanted to impress and I have to say I couldn't quite believe that I was there with him. He's someone I have to aspire to.

"He was really friendly and gave me a few tips on footwork. He told me I was pretty good at stepping in to make a save but also told me I needed to push off my line a bit more.

"He said that the further out and closer you are to the ball, the less chance it has of going in."

Reina has proved to be a revelation for Liverpool since joining the club in the summer of 2005.

His form has been such that many have touted him as the best stopper in the world - but where does Stephens rank him amongst the goalkeeping elite?

"It's hard to say because I've never really thought about who is the best," said Stephens.

"He's definitely the best at kicking. I don't think you can argue with that. You can look at other 'keepers but he is consistently good at it. He's not the tallest but is so physically big and strong...  I rate Iker Casillas but don't feel he has an all round game as good as Pepe's, so he probably is the best around."

While Stephens hopes to one day emulate Reina and assume the Reds' goalkeeping jersey, his current role sees him vying for the U18 No.1 spot alongside Tyrell Belford.

The two stoppers have both featured for Rodolfo Borrell's men this term and Stephens admits that their rivalry helps to spur them on.

"We push each other on in training but we are good friends off the pitch as well," he said.

"I think it's a good relationship to have with another 'keeper. When it comes to competition we push each other on and hopefully that will bring out the best in us."

Stephens has a polite, unassuming manner that stems from a rural upbringing in the Wiltshire countryside.

He admits city life has come as a bit of shock and has been surprised by the impact his move has had on the community back home.

"Living in Liverpool - well it's a bit different," he said with a laugh.

"Wootton has a population of about four or five thousand and it's a very big area, so it's hard to get used to. Having said that, I enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life and something I've always wanted to experience.

"There was a massive reaction when the news broke of my move here.  It was all over the local papers.

"Random people were stopping me and asking me about it on the street, simply because it's not a big place and news like that is huge. The weirdest one was that I had to do a presentation for a local kids team and it was really strange for me because it was only about four years ago that I was actually playing for that sort of team."

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Now a member of one of the most highly-rated group of youngsters to have come out of Kirkby in years, Stephens is confident the U18s can go on to enjoy a good season under the leadership of Borrell, a coach he has struck up an instant rapport with.

"Obviously it's a very high standard here - as you would expect," he said. "The lads are all very good players and while it's hard work I really enjoy it.

"We have a great coach in Rodolfo. He's also a good guy too. He's firm with the lads but he knows the score and knows how to handle everyone.

"He's a very good coach and has a lot of great qualities. His record at Barcelona says it all so he is definitely one of the top coaches at Academy level in this country, and probably the world."

At the tender age of just 17, Stephens acknowledges that he has made something of a meteoric rise in recent years.

However, he remains keen to maintain his development and has his eyes on making further strides this season.

"It's all a bit of a shock still to be honest," he said. "From playing local league football and moving to Swindon - And now this. It's all happened so quickly.

"Obviously I'd like to progress and try and play reserve team football but it's not easy because we have some good 'keepers at this club. It's not always as easy as it sounds but I'm hoping I can impress."

He added: "I'm really looking forward to the Youth Cup this season too. It would be some story for me to be involved in a game at Anfield. I think I'd have all my family and friends up for the day. It'd be brilliant to play a tie there, it's such a great ground and it would be a top experience.

"I think we've got a great squad and think we could do really well in the competition."

Click on the play button to watch a selection of great goals from September