Staff at Liverpool are excited at the steps being made by academy goalkeeper Harvey Davies.
Davies has been in-and-around the first-team set-up for a while now, featuring during last season’s pre-season tour to Asia. And now, as per The Athletic, he’s being seen as a potential long-term No.2 to Alisson Becker.
They claim that Liverpool coaches have ‘high hopes’ for both Davies and fellow academy goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.
Given that current back-up Caoimhin Kelleher is keen to spread his wings and leave Anfield this summer, both could potentially be under consideration as his replacement.
However, The Athletic claim that while both Davies and Pitaluga are well-regarded, they are seen as being ‘not ready’ to yet fill Kelleher’s gloves.
Davies looking for Liverpool chance
Liverpool currently seem to have a pretty large number of young goalkeepers on their books. As well as Davies and Pitaluga, they have the likes of Jakub Ojrzynksi and Fabian Mrozek.
As a result, should Kelleher end up leaving the club this summer, there would be a few candidates to replace him from the younger age groups.
However, none of that quartet look anything like ready to step-up just yet. Both Pitaluga and Ojrzynski have played senior football during loan spells. But both were at a level far, far below the one Liverpool are playing at.
So, although it would be tempting to promote someone like Davies, it’s clear that he would have to make big strides very quickly indeed.
To be fair to young Harvey, he is making a good impression. Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor called him ‘outstanding’ on Twitter 18 months back, and he’s featured for England at youth level.
Perhaps a year or two down the line the 19-year-old could be a genuine option for Jurgen Klopp. Right now though, his focus should be on getting out on-loan and getting minutes in the men’s game.
If he doesn’t manage that, he should get his head down and train as hard as he can. It’s true that Kelleher never spent any time away from Liverpool having joined as a 15-year-old. It is possible to come through the academy in the position.
A good pre-season would be absolutely crucial to that. If he can catch Jurgen’s eye enough, maybe he’ll start to feel a little better about letting Caoimhin go. All to play for then for Harvey, he’s definitely one to keep a watch over.