Jurgen Klopp could be about to give Liverpool’s youngsters the chance to impress him against Manchester City on Thursday.
That’s according to the Evening Standard, who report that the Liverpool boss could ‘unleash’ his ‘top’ young players on City.
Klopp is said to be considering giving chances to ‘a number’ of hot prospects. The likes of Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic and Melkamu Frauendorf are claimed to have ‘particularly impressed’ the manager against AC Milan on Friday. This could lead to game-time for the trio at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola is also said to be ‘pondering’ whether or not to throw some young talents in against the Reds. With World Cup players now arriving back, both clubs are reportedly considering how strong their respective teams should be.
Kids may have to wait for their chance
This must be a difficult one for Klopp. If the opponents were anyone other than a handful of teams on Thursday, it would perhaps be a no-brainer. In most Carabao Cup fourth round games, the boss is likely to go under-strength.
But this is City. Knocking them out would give Liverpool a real shot at retaining the title they won in February. It would also give the Reds the perfect platform to kick off the second half of the season.
Coupled with the fact that Liverpool haven’t played for six weeks, it’s reasonable to expect a relatively strong Reds side.
As a result, it’s likely that some of these Reds youngsters, as impressive as they are, might have to wait for a different chance.
Nevertheless, there are still one or two who may just sneak their way onto the pitch. Doak in particular has lit up every game he’s been a part of for Liverpool.
He was exceptional in the short time he was on the pitch against Milan last week. Still training with the first team upon Liverpool’s return to England, he’s a decent bet to play some kind of part.
So too is Bobby Clark. Another 17-year-old who looks well beyond his years, Clark is slowly building a reputation within the Liverpool squad.
Beyond that pair, there will surely be a surprise or two from Klopp as well. But if you’re expecting a team full of kids, then you might be disappointed.
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