Coming soon at Anfield

By Graham Berger

Liverpool FC may have just experienced their worst league run for more than 50 years, but their supporters need only cast an eye across the English Channel to the north coast of France to see that the future is far from bleak.

Quick thinking
In September 2001 Liverpool struck a deal with French side Le Havre AC that would give them first option to sign any young talent produced at the Municipal Jules-Deschaseaux. Liverpool coach Gérard Houllier wasted little time snapping up Le Havre's highly-rated forwards Florent Sinama-Pongolle and Anthony Le Tallec last summer. 

Impressive season
Sinama-Pongolle and Le Tallec, both just 18, are continuing their development on loan at Le Havre this season but will move to Anfield in the summer. The pair played a large part in the Normandy side's promotion to Ligue 1 last season and are making quite an impression in the top flight.

Perfect partners
Sinama-Pongolle, a pacy centre-forward born on the island of La Réunion, has scored three goals in three appearances for France's Under-21 side. Le Tallec, meanwhile, appears to be the ideal foil, frequently dropping deep to use his vision to create chances.

Houllier impressed
The duo first caught Houllier's eye in the FIFA Under-17 World Championship in Trinidad and Tobago in October 2001. Sinama-Pongolle and Le Tallec were in inspirational form for tournament winners France, both scoring in the final against Nigeria and Sinama-Pongolle set a tournament record as he scored nine goals overall. "It was obvious to me that these two are special," Houllier said at the time.

Pires praise
It is not just at Anfield that their talent has been recognised. Arsenal FC's Robert Pires is convinced Liverpool have pulled off a major coup. "Those two are definitely good enough to make an impact," Pires said. "I can see them becoming stars for France."  

Right choice
Le Havre coach Jean-François Domergue has been criticised in France for allowing Sinama-Pongolle and Le Tallec to leave at such a young age, but is adamant he has acted in the players' best interests.

Happy home
"As their coach I have a big responsibility to ensure they start their careers on the right path," said Domergue. "After the [FIFA Under-17] World Championships I received 12 offers for them. However, I would not have been happy letting them join any old club. Liverpool are a magnificent club where I know they will be looked after and where they will be able to continue their development."

Watchful eye
Meanwhile, Houllier keeps in close contact. "Gérard phones all the time to check I am not playing Sinama-Pongolle and Le Tallec too much," Domergue added. "But he needn't worry. I realise they are both just 18 and still developing, so even though we are in a precarious position I don't start them in every game."

English expectation
The immediate challenge for the duo is to help Le Havre, third from bottom, avoid relegation. However, Le Tallec admits they are finding it difficult not to look ahead. "Of course we are both excited about moving to Liverpool," he said. "To play in England, where the atmosphere at the matches is incredible, is a dream come true.

Good times ahead
Le Tallec went on: "I know that with guys like [El Hadji] Diouf, [Michael] Owen and [Emile] Heskey around, it's going to be tough for me. I am more of a creator, so maybe there is some hope I will play. Whatever happens, I am sure it will be a positive experience and I feel like there are some exciting times ahead." Liverpool fans will be hoping he is right.