Gakpo’s signing is certainly good news, although it does mean Liverpool are unlikely to make big purchases again in January. As such, Klopp may need to summon Liverpool’s young players to prepare for the busy period of the second half of the season. Mirror Football page has reviewed 5 emerging talents that can be noticed.
Ben Doak
The Scotland youngster made headlines on Gifts Day after making his Premier League debut in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Doak, who recently celebrated his 17th birthday in November, became the youngest Scottish player to appear at the tournament.
Doak is a right-back but is known for his attacking ability. That’s good news for Klopp, as he can replace Trent Alexander-Arnold if injury strikes. Klopp is certainly not the type of coach worried about bringing in a young right-back. He gave the opportunity to Alexander-Arnold as a teenager.
Klopp is not afraid to use young players.
Calvin Ramsay
Ramsay is another candidate to replace Alexander-Arnold. The 19-year-old defender joined Liverpool from Aberdeen in June and was forced to wait until November to make his debut due to injury. Ramsay’s talent was undeniable during his time in Aberdeen. He played 33 games in all competitions last season to be named the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award.
Bobby Clark
Central midfield has been one of Klopp’s biggest headaches in recent months due to injury problems and the form of players such as Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner.
Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez have been identified as long-term successors, but Liverpool’s tight budget means Klopp may have to give a young player a chance. Bobby Clark could be that player.
Clark, 17, made his Premier League debut and showed what he could do in a friendly against AC Milan 4-1 in December, where he delivered an incredible pass to set up Darwin Nunez .
Stefan Bajcetic
Another central midfield candidate is Bajcetic, who scored in the win over Villa. The Spain international, 18, has become the third youngest player to score in the Premier League for Liverpool after Michael Owen and Raheem Sterling.
Bajcetic scored for Liverpool.
Bajcetic also impressed in the friendly against Milan, along with Doak and Clark. Speaking after that win, Klopp said: “In these 10, 11 days, especially the young players, everyone has taken a real step forward. That’s why these things are so important, we maybe let them join the team.”
Melkamu Frauendorf
Frauendorf was a player who performed well against Milan and is about to make his Premier League debut. The former Hoffenheim youngster made his seniors bow after coming on in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury last January.
Klopp said: “It’s amazing. To see these boys and play like this in a game like this, it’s great. It’s an adult match it’s a physical match and boys. need to take these steps so they can be ready to move forward one step at a time.”
Thanh Vu | 16:47 01/01/2023
