Liverpool v Atalanta: Jurgen Klopp’s ‘kids’ could rescue himas 4 teenagers train with 1st team
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool youngsters could help rescue his Europa League hopes just as they did in the League Cup after four teenagers trained ahead of the Atalanta trip, according to James Pearce
The Athletic journalist reported via Twitter on 17 April, the day before the return leg in Bergamo, that all of Jayden Danns (18), Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic (all 19), had been with the first team ahead of the European clash.
In addition, returning senior stars Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold got through their first action after injury lay-offs in the 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace at the weekend “unscathed” and are included, while there are reportedly no “surprise absentees”.
Following the shock 3-0 defeat at Anfield last week the German heads to Italy on Thursday (18 April) needing a memorable turnaround to maintain hopes of a final European trophy, and the financial benefits it would bring, before he leaves in the summer.
Liverpool youngsters could be involved in Europa League battle
What at one point looked like it could be a glittering sign off after a hugely-significant near-decade in charge at Liverpool will now not include the FA Cup, and barring a slip-up from Manchester City won’t finish with a Premier League.
But the one trophy that has already been secured, the Carabao Cup, was memorable as much for the impressive performances from Reds youth thrown in by Klopp during an injury crisis, as it was Virgil van Dijk’s late winner against Chelsea.
Clark, McConnell and Danns all came off the bench late in the game, which went to extra time goalless, and were hailed for their roles by Gary Neville in comparison to the “blue billion-pound bottlejobs” from Stamford Bridge [Sky Sports, 26 February].
Klopp may be getting key men back from injury, with Diogo Jota also returning to action against Palace, but he has already shown once that he has faith in the next generation at Anfield, and they repaid him at a crucial moment.
It would likely be a surprise to see any of the teenagers in the starting XI against Atalanta but if the first-choice players can start the fightback it would not be a shock to see youngsters entrusted to help finish the job, with Bajcetic’s own return from months out injured seeing him make an instant impact off the bench for the Under-21s last week.
Despite the other three all being more involved in the age-group sides this term than the senior team they played a key part in one trophy this term, and it would arguably be even more impressive if they manage to keep hopes of a second alive in unlikely circumstances.
In other Liverpool news, an update on the Reds’ spending ability under new rules next season has emerged.
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