Liverpool stood strong in the transfer market this summer, making just four signings, none of which are guaranteed first-team action in the near future. Jurgen Klopp has shown faith in the squad which won the Champions League last term, which could mean that he’s also ready to throw some youngsters into the mix.
A number of Reds youngsters were given the opportunity to play during pre-season, and Wednesday’s Super Cup game against Chelsea saw the likes of Rhian Brewster, Harvey Elliott and Ki-Jana Hoever on the bench.
Klopp looks ready to give youngsters their opportunity to shine in order to keep his top players sharp as they push for the title this season. The Reds are currently 3/1 to win the league with Ruby Bet and have certainly picked up from where they left off following the first game of the season.
If they’re going to continue to close down the odds of Manchester City, it’s going to take a squad effort, but who are the young Reds who are going to play a part?
Rhian Brewster
Rhian Brewster looks most likely to be cast into the spotlight, with the club a little light up front with just Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi. He’s yet to make an appearance for the first team, but will undoubtedly get a run-out in the next few weeks.
The 19-year-old has battled back to full fitness over the last few months and continues to be a hot prospect following performances for the England age groups.
Sepp van den Berg
Signed in the summer from PEC Zwolle, the 17-year-old is certainly one for the future and his ability to play at centre back or full back will hand him opportunities from the bench. He got some time on the pitch in pre-season and it’s believed the sale of Dejan Lovren was due to the fact Klopp is ready to put faith in the Dutchman as his fourth choice centre back.
He’ll learn a lot from fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk and it looks a match made in heaven. He’s played for the Netherlands Under-19s and we will certainly see him in League Cup fixtures.
Ki-Jana Hoever
Hoever was in the matchday squad for the Super Cup and will likely see a bit of the first-team action over the coming months. He made his debut last year and is another Dutch defender whose career is expected to go from strength to strength.
He could be a player battling for that fourth choice spot, but he will undoubtedly get a chance and could well be a key player in years to come.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott impressed Reds fans during pre-season and his pace and trickery could be a real useful asset to come on from the bench and stretch teams. A Premier League start could be a little while off, but he’ll certainly see plenty of action in the same way Phil Foden has for Manchester City.
The teenager signed from Fulham and his progress at Liverpool will certainly be monitored by England manager Gareth Southgate too, who has shown no hesitation in giving young lads a go at the highest level.