If there’s one thing that’s sure to happen at Liverpool next season, it’s Jurgen Klopp using youth throughout the campaign.
The German has built a reputation during his time managing Mainz and Borussia Dortmund for turning to young players and developing them into stars rather than breaking the bank for a household name. He is also largely responsible for the successes of Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze, Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogan to name just a few and Reds fans will be hoping their manager can do the same with some of their young players coming through.
Klopp has already shown belief in the younger players at Anfield, handing a clutch of them a decent number of appearances as he rotated the squad for the Premier League fixtures that coincided with the route to the Europa League final.
Obviously he likes what he’s seen then, and this bodes well for those wanting to make a big impression next season, so which players could set to be key parts of Klopp’s squad? FootballFanCast thinks it could be this FIVE…
Sheyi Ojo
Ojo has begun to show the talent he has at his disposal and scored his first senior goal for the club in 2015/16 too. A lot is expected of the winger – similar to Raheem Sterling levels – and if Liverpool do not decide to bring in a more experienced wide-man to bolster their options on the flanks, Ojo could be afforded even more playing time.
He has pace to burn but crucially can pick out a cross too and this already puts him ahead of some of his Premier League peers in that regard.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
There’s a lot expected of Alexander-Arnold who is an England Under-17 international and currently plays for the Under-18s at Liverpool. He’s one of the brightest prospects at the academy for the Reds and the Liverpool fans will be hoping to see him come all the way through the system into the first-team.
He’s a local lad and plays in centre midfield, so comparisons to Steven Gerrard are inevitable and while it’s too soon for that of course he’ll be given the full support of the red half of the city as he knocks on the first team door.
Kevin Stewart
Stewart has tasted first team football under Klopp and from the appearances he made, looked a real prospect. The central midfielder, despite his age, looks assured on the ball and reads the game well as well as being able to shield his defenders from the opposition. Should get even more playing time next season based on this and as he develops he will benefit from having the likes of James Milner around to develop his game.
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Brad Smith
Brad Smith has already featured for Liverpool under Klopp and has largely impressed at left back, looking sound defensively. Smith has international experience for Australia and he may find himself with even more playing time next year if his manager grows tired of the mistakes Alberto Moreno commits frequently. The Spaniard is probably better going forward but defensively, Smith already looks more assured and Klopp should consider this for next season.
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Allan
Jurgen Klopp is known for his close relationships that he builds with his players but his one with the Brazilian Allan seems to be closer than most. The German has gone on record before expressing how impressed he is with the youngsters development and as a player who’s been gaining experience out on loan this year he may just be staying put for 2016/17.
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