Harry Iles discusses the players who could breakthrough into the first team next season.
Our strongest team is fairly unresolved going into the new season which offers opportunities for the youngsters to impress and potentially progress into the team. With Klopp being known for giving chances to these kids, there’s potential for many of them to come into the frame and really secure themselves a spot in this squad.
Kevin Stewart showed glimpses of his potential in the latter end of last season as a strong ball winning midfielder. But he struggled to perform on a consistent basis and win his spot in the favoured starting line up. The central midfield position is still up for grabs with captain Jordan Henderson’s position looking uncertain and Joe Allen looking to be on the way out, which leaves a real chance for Stewart to win a place in this Liverpool team.
With Jordon Ibe’s imminent departure, Sheyi Ojo is handed a major chance to find his way into this Liverpool team. Ojo began to show his quality in the tail-end of the 15/16 season after being given a lot of play time while we focused on the Europa league. In this time he impressed with his goals and assists and overtook Jordon Ibe in the pecking order. Ojo has a great opportunity to find a place in the wide midfield role after his performances last season, and is widely considered to play a major role this season.
The left back position is far from secure as Liverpool have been linked with various full backs over the summer, mainly Ben Chilwell. But as talks seem to have stalled it opens up an opportunity for Australian, Brad Smith. Smith, along with various other youngsters, got his share of game time last season as began to impress as quality left back. He showed his talents going forward with his role in various goals as well as looking good defensively. The upcoming season could be a real breakthrough season for Smith as Moreno’s position is looking insecure after some poor performances at the end of last season. The current full back situation gives a huge opportunity for Smith to find a way into Klopp’s plans.