Liverpool’s Promising Young Talent
Anyone remember those Liverpool pre-seasons when we thought that Ovie Ejaria, Rhian Brewster, Dani Pacheco et al were going to be superstars or is that just me? Either way, Liverpool have a talented crop of youngsters currently at their disposal and the majority of reds will be intrigued to see who Jurgen Klopp gives any game time too this coming Wednesday or going forward. We take a look at some of those who Anfield Index feel it’s worth keeping a real eye on. Whether they make it or not Si a different things, but there’s real hopes at Kirkby for these players.
Ben Doak: The Rising Star
Already name checked by Jurgen Klopp and for good reason! The former Celtic youngster is the player most reds will be excited to see this pre-seasons and there’s a real belief he could enjoy game time not only Joe, but in the Europa League and cup competitions. The 17 year-old is a pacey and direct winger who predominately plays from the right and is always looking to take on and beat his man. A little raw but something of a throwback, it’ll be fascinating to see how the manager uses him with little suggestion of a loan move in the offing. It’s tough competition in Liverpool forward line, but whatever it is – this kids got it.
Once referred to as a ‘man-mountain’ by one of Liverpool’s youth coaches, there’s suspicion the young centre-half could be in line for a loan but he’s travelled with the first-team to Germany. The 20 year-old was on loan at Bristol Rovers for part of last season as part of his venture into men’s football and there’s real hope for a player that captained England to victory at last years Under-19 European Championships. Standing 6ft 3in and with real pace, Qansah has already been compared to the likes of Van Dijk and Konate, so it will be fascinating to see his development. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will be watching him closely.
Conor Bradley: The Right-Back Hope
The young Northern Irishman appears to be the only specialist right-back left in the squad after Calvin Ramsay’s departure to Preston on loan. Having shone last season whilst at Bolton, the 20 year-old has already talked to LFCTV about his desire to compete and fight for a spot on the squad this season. Similarly to Doak, there’s real hope that Bradley could get game time in the Europa League or other domestic cups if he does remain at the club. Looking to get forward at every occasion and with a real engine, hopefully we’ll get to see him on regular outings during the packed pre-sesson campaign.
Bobby Clark: The £3m Prospect
A £3m million signing from Newcastle and another whose been name-checked by Klopp, there’s a strong belief that a loan to a championship club would be best for Clark to continue his development. An excellent prospect and passer, his weighted assist for Darwin Nunez during the last pre-season brought him to the attention of numerous reds and it’ll be interesting to see him what happens with him this time around. The 18 year-old is highly rated at Kirkby and the manager has given him the opportunity to again show what he can do with the first-team squad.
