With new manager Arne Slot not known for rotating his squad, many Liverpool players were sent on loan this season to aid their development or help secure a permanent move away from Anfield. Six loanees are in the EFL championship with three others operating further down the English football pyramid. Five of those sent away are playing their trade outside of England. In this Liverpool loan report, Last Word on Football assesses all 14 weekend performances.
Liverpool Loan Report: Youngster Impresses in First Start
Ben Doak – Middlesbrough
Ben Doak scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in his full debut for the club. The winger started the game on the right and reacted quickest when Riley McGree’s shot was saved, to tap home from inside the six-yard box. Apart from his goal, the 18-year-old impressed throughout against Stoke, making four key passes. Now the Scotsman has broken into the starting lineup, he will look to build on his first goal when they travel to West Brom on October 1.
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Doak spent most of last season struggling with a knee injury and failed to shine when given opportunities in the Europa League. A move to the Championship seemed perfect for the youngster to get back on track. Doak lived up to expectations against Stoke and has given Middlesbrough fans hope for the rest of the season.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – Valencia
Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed from Valencia as a long-term replacement for Alisson. He was then loaned back to the Spanish club to continue his development. The 24-year-old goalkeeper has had a mixed start to the 2024/25 season as his Valencia side has struggled for form. Following two successive clean sheets, the Georgian goalkeeper conceded three in a disappointing defeat to Real Sociedad.
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Mamardashvili made three saves but couldn’t stop his side from falling to their fifth defeat of the season. Valencia now sit 18th in La Liga. The 24-year-old needs to regain his impressive Euro 2024 form if he wants to leave the Mestalla Stadium on a high note.
Lewis Koumas – Stoke City
Lewis Koumas’ Stoke City were on the receiving end of Doak’s brilliance this weekend. The Welsh attacker struggled to get involved, taking just 22 touches, and was replaced with 11 minutes to go. The 18-year-old has impressed so far during his loan spell and will hope that his performance against Middlesbrough was just a bump in the road.
Stefan Bajcetic – RB Salzburg
Stefan Bajecetic continued his fine start to his loan spell with an excellent performance as RB Salzburg beat Austria Wein 2-0. The 19-year-old made his home debut for the club and put in a composed display, completing 43 of his 45 attempted passes. Salzburg haven’t conceded a goal with the 19-year-old on the pitch. The Spanish midfielder will hope to carry his good start into their second Champions League game against Brest.
Luke Chambers – Wigan Athletic
Luke Chambers was part of a brilliant defensive performance as Wigan Athletic drew 0-0 with Exeter City. The left-back finished last season with the Latics in League One and has used that momentum to put in some great displays over his eight starts in 2024/25. This weekend, the 20-year-old completed 50 of his 55 attempted passes and won six of his nine duels. Next, Wigan host Peterborough United looking for their first win in three matches.
Luca Stephenson – Dundee United
Luca Stephenson showcased his creativity with two assists as Dundee United drew 3-3 to Kilmarnock. The right-wing-back failed to contribute to a goal in 30 appearances for Barrow in League Two last season. His three-goal contributions so far are a great example of the improvement that Liverpool are looking to see from players during their loan spells.
Rhys Williams – Morecambe
Rhys Williams’ most recent loan spell sees him drop down to League Two to find form with Morecambe. Things aren’t going to plan so far for the defender: his side sit 23rd in the league and are without a win. In this weekend’s game, the 23-year-old was withdrawn at half-time as the Shrimps changed formation. The Englishman was once part of a defence that helped Liverpool secure Champions League football in 2021. His career path since is one that even a fortune teller would’ve struggled to predict.
The Liverpool Loanees Who Didn’t Play
With only half of Liverpool’s loan players playing this weekend, Reds fans will be curious why their youngsters are not featuring. Four Reds were unused substitutes and will hope they are given more opportunities in the coming weeks. Goalkeepers Marcelo Pitaluga and Fabian Mrozek have lost their number one spots at Livingston and IF Brommapojkarna respectively.
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Kaide Gordon has played just 12 minutes since joining Norwich and was once again left on the bench. Nat Phillips is still waiting for his first start for Derby County and with the Rams chasing an equaliser, was not needed.
Owen Beck was suspended following his red card in Blackburn Rovers’ clash with Preston North End. Meanwhile, Calum Scanlon will miss the next three months after suffering a stress fracture in his back. Both the full-backs had made good starts to their loan spells and will hope to continue their form when they return.
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Calvin Ramsay has struggled to impress during his loan spell at Wigan with manager Shaun Maloney saying the 21-year-old is still “finding his feet”. The Scotsman has only made one start but has been promised an opportunity in the near future by the Latics manager. There are many reasons why Liverpool’s young stars aren’t playing for their loan clubs and the Reds will likely evaluate all options before deciding who to recall in January.
