Liverpool should make a summer transfer decision that can save them millions

The highlight of Liverpool’s season also underlined one of the main reasons why the Reds have managed to cope with the injury crisis for as long as they have.

Seeing so many Academy graduates feature in the League Cup final win over Chelsea in February showed the influence of youth throughout Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign.

Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley were the main starts, the former in particular justifying Liverpool’s decision not to sign a new centre-back last summer. But is there enough quality in the youth ranks for the Reds to do the same again in the coming months?

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Here, the ECHO’s Liverpool FC writers discuss whether or not manager Arne Slot is in a position to continue Klopp’s faith in youth.

The next generation can give Slot at least one genuine option

Ian Doyle: There is no doubt that throughout Jurgen Klopp’s reign as manager, he has been more than willing to give youngsters a chance. Within three months of taking charge, he has given six players their debuts, while the continued impact of Trent-Alexander Arnold and Curtis Jones underlines if a player is good enough then they will stay in the first team.

While Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have gotten some attention this season, they’re not the only ones. And there is considerable scope for at least three Liverpool youngsters to be given greater opportunities next season under Slot.

They all have first-team experience, most prominently Bobby Clark, who, after missing much of the early part of this term through injury, is now a full-fledged option in senior midfield, having 12 appearances in the campaign, including his premiership. League start, a first European appearance and a first goal.

Jayden Danns has made a huge impact in his short time in the senior team – he played at Wembley and then scored twice against Southampton in the FA Cup – and although he is only 18, he has the physical attributes to cope with senior football to the first team.

But the most intriguing could be Kaide Gordon, whose recent under-21 performances suggest he has surpassed that level and, having played in a League Cup semi-final more than two years ago, knows that he can handle the senior game now he has. recovered from the injury that kept him out for 18 months. Furthermore, as a speedy striker, he is exactly the type of player that Liverpool will be evaluating during the close season.

Factor in Ben Doak’s similar return to fitness, and it’s clear that the next generation can at least give the Slot a genuine option next season.

The academy has already offered Thiago Alcantara’s replacement

Theo Squires: Last summer, when Liverpool overhauled their midfield, there was a belief that the Reds also needed reinforcements in two defensive positions. A new centre-back was wanted, with Jurgen Klopp acknowledging that 12 months ago, while a new right-back to provide support for Trent Alexander-Arnold was also preferred – who in turn would could release the England international to play. midfield if necessary.

Of course, the unexpected exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho changed things somewhat for Liverpool as the club had to focus even more on the engine room. However, such decisions were made with an eye on the next generation at the academy, and thank goodness for that!

Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah have both stepped up this season to establish themselves as first-team players, saving the Reds millions in the process. While Joel Matip’s expected exit at the end of his contract this summer will create a vacancy for another new centre-back, such an arrival would only add to what is already in place – including the latest academy graduate of at Liverpool.

With Thiago Alcantara also set to leave when his contract expires, there will be suggestions that another new midfielder is needed this summer. But Bobby Clark has shown enough this year to fill that void and follow Bradley and Quansah in making the step up as a full-time first-team player.

It’s worth noting that with no Europa League football on offer next season, and hopefully no crippling injury crisis, opportunities are unlikely to be as forthcoming for the club’s next generation. While Jayden Danns is undoubtedly physically fit to be Liverpool’s sixth attacking option, new manager Arne Slot will have to decide whether the likes of Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell they will have enough senior opportunities to justify staying put or if they would. benefit from a loan move instead.

Question marks over the long-term futures of the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz present another dilemma for Slot. If replacements are needed, could the answer really come from within? Pre-season will act as a fascinating audition for some of the Reds’ next generation.

Looking beyond those who have already played for the first team, the likes of Trent Kone-Doherty, Kieran Morrison and Amara Nallo look set to be the next to watch. A return to the UEFA Youth League will give them an intriguing platform next season.

And finally, it wouldn’t be a surprise if an academy keeper breaks into the first-team squad this summer, no surprise if both Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian leave. Vitezslav Jaros, Harvey Davies and Fabian Mrozek could compete to fill one of the gaps, while 17-year-old Kornel Miściur is also highly rated.

If you’re good enough, you’re big enough and Arne Slot will know it

Keifer Macdonald:

After nearly 30 years, Alan Hansen must finally realize that he was wrong when he declared, “You can’t win anything with children.”

It was the start of the 1995/96 season and the former Liverpool defender assessed Manchester United’s prospects of winning the Premier League that season.

Even though Sir Alex Ferguson’s side did not successfully challenge for the title at Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool did a pretty good job of canceling out the legendary defender’s point when they faced Chelsea in this season’s Carabao Cup final.

On that unforgettable afternoon under the Wembley arches, it was Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley who caught the eye as Liverpool secured a record 10th triumph in the competition.

And as Arne Slot prepares to take the reins at Anfield, that afternoon against Mauricio Pochettino’s side underscores exactly why the club is considered to be in such rude health in a post-Klopp world.

After the emergence of Quansah and Bradley this season, it is surely only a matter of time before Clark and McConnell feature regularly in Premier League games like their colleagues.

And don’t forget Ben Doak, who started the season rubbing shoulders with Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez after an impressive pre-season tour with the Reds.

Sure, McConnell, Clark and Doak will need regular football next season and so loan offers could be explored. But if this season’s League Cup final proved anything, it’s that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

And Slot will surely know that.