As pre-season looms, many of Liverpool’s youngsters will look to make their mark in the squad. This presents an opportunity for youth players to rack up crucial minutes in the senior team, especially with established players still absent. Last Word on Football grades Liverpool youngsters’ chances of impressing in pre-season.
Grading Liverpool Youngsters’ Chances of Breaking into the First Team During Pre-Season
Stefan Bajcetic: A
Stefan Bajcetic is looking to make an emphatic return from a long-term adductor injury that ruled him out for almost all of last season. Previously, he was one of Jurgen Klopp’s “breakout talents” and will hope to resume this role under Arne Slot.
The 19-year-old typically operates as a deep-lying midfielder and naturally slots into Liverpool’s system. His style of play excellently complements more established teammates such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
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He may struggle for initial starts, but he will be a key component of the squad, especially in domestic cups. Should he impress for Liverpool in pre-season, there is every chance that Bajcetic can secure Premier League starts towards the end of the season.
Conor Bradley: A-
Conor Bradley was an outstanding deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold and stepped up when it mattered last season. He started ten Premier League matches last season, as well as the League Cup final.
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This led to calls for Bradley to start more often, especially if Alexander-Arnold moved into midfield. However, the midfield gamble was unsuccessful for England; Slot may opt to keep Alexander-Arnold at right back.
This will undoubtedly restrict Bradley’s opportunities, even if he continues to feature in the matchday squad. However, a player of Bradley’s calibre will be frustrated to spend so much time on the bench.
Jayden Danns: B+
Jayden Danns already has two FA Cup goals and has won a Player of the Match award. His rapid rise last season was rewarded with a long-term contract, committing his future to the club.
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The forward is still only 18 and has plenty of time to grow and realise his potential. Although big match appearances are still a long way away, Danns will strongly benefit from training with the senior squad.
Fabio Carvalho: B
After a successful loan spell at Hull City, Carvalho has a second chance to shine under Slot. He fell out of favour under Klopp in 2022, despite some encouraging performances and vital goals.
Carvalho can play out wide or as an attacking midfielder; he will have his eye on several spots in the Liverpool squad. His flexibility might encourage Slot to use him as a squad player, should the youngster dazzle for Liverpool in preseason.
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Yet Carvalho’s Liverpool future is in doubt. Slot might receive an offer he cannot refuse, and Hull are eager to sign the player permanently.
Kaide Gordon: C-
Liverpool’s second-youngest-ever goalscorer is still impressing at a youth level and making sporadic senior appearances. However, the 19-year-old struggled for senior minutes last season, even in cup fixtures.
Gordon recently signed a long-term contract, so he is evidently part of Liverpool’s plans. However, given the competition for places in attack, his chances this season will be slim.
