The FC guys are already seeing improvements in Liverpool's defence and ability to close out games following their victory over Crystal Palace.
LIVERPOOL -- At just 16 years old, Matteo Ritaccio made the 3,300-mile move from New York to Liverpool this summer to become the most senior American on the club's books when he joined the academy from BW Gottschee, a U.S. soccer developmental academy and youth affiliate of New York City FC, earlier this month.
It's only early days, but the midfielder does not look out place in a new environment, culture and style of football.
"The only difference is that he's got a different accent to everybody else," Liverpool Under-18s boss Barry Lewtas told ESPN FC. "Boys move around and stuff like that, but I don't think it's anything to sweep under the carpet. At the age of 16 to move countries, live with house parents and leave your friends and family behind -- it's tough. It's not easy, is it? He's settled in great.
"We've got a really good support network here, so it's not something we've never done before."
Lewtas' squad is where Ritaccio will officially begin his career on Merseyside, but Liverpool is not necessarily new to him. He has been on the club's radar for a considerable amount of time.
Sources have told ESPN FC that, since December 2014, Ritaccio has made regular trips across the Atlantic to train with Liverpool, who have been mindful of his schooling and schedule with BW Gottschee.
He also represented the Reds in summer youth tournaments and friendlies, working with then-U18s coach Steven Gerrard at one point last season.
Sources said that Liverpool did not face competition in the pursuit of Ritaccio -- with his lack of physical stature perhaps not fitting the profile of other clubs -- but they recognised his footballing ability early and are now benefiting from their patient approach and Ritaccio's recent growth spurt.
He has started both of Liverpool's opening two games in the U18s Premier League, hitting the post from long range against Manchester United on Saturday. And Ritaccio has looked assured operating in an anchoring midfield role, having mainly featured further forward -- either as a No. 8 or No. 10 -- at BW Gottschee.
"He's settled in fine," Lewtas said. "Obviously it's a big change for him culturally. But he's done ever so well and he's settled in fine. He mixes in really well and he's a good boy.
"He was one of the younger ones [against Man United]. He's brave, [that's] his personality. Hopefully he can develop further."
Ritaccio, who also holds an Italian passport, has represented the United States at youth level. He played for the U14s but has not been called back since, though there is hope though that, having now caught up with his peers in physical stature, he will return to the international stage sooner rather than later.
BW Gottschee is where Ritaccio received his footballing education. Other notable alumni from the Queens-based club in recent years include Paris Saint-Germain's Timothy Weah, son of George, who won the 1995 Ballon d'Or and is now President of Liberia.
They will be observing Ritaccio's progress just as close as those Liverpool supporters hoping to see the next breakthrough star from Kirkby.
"We want to wish this young man nothing but the best," BW Gottschee said on their website to announce Ritaccio's move. "[He] arrived at the club at seven years old and signed for one of the most renowned clubs in the world, Liverpool FC.
"He trusted the long-term process and was rewarded. Humble, coachable, driven and supportive family are all [the] reasons behind his success and hopefully one day we see him take the field for the first team. Best of luck, Matteo -- we will be watching."
Source: espn.co.uk