Ben Doak and the other Liverpool youngsters who could get chance to impress Arne Slot
Liverpool will begin their pre-season tour of the USA next month with several young players keen to impress Arne Slot.
The Reds had to rely on a number of academy players last season as they suffered injuries to senior squad members.
This summer they will play good opposition in Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Betis in the United States.
It will be Slot’s first opportunity to assess his players – and with senior members on international duty, it will give three youth players the chance to impress.
Here are three youngsters that may get an opportunity to impress the new manager.
Ben Doak
Ben Doak arrived at Anfield from Celtic for £600,000 (The Athletic) in 2022 as one of Scotland’s brightest prospects.
The 18-year-old has made senior appearances in all domestic competitions for Liverpool since his arrival.
He was due to feature for Scotland at Euro 2024 but withdrew from the squad due to injury.
A meniscus tear kept him out for the majority of last season and he will be eager to make up for lost time.
His blistering pace and ability to beat the defender at such a young age is an exciting sign of what is to come.
Doak could save Liverpool millions should he impress Slot in pre-season.
Jayden Danns
Jayden Danns was given his chance last season by Jurgen Klopp and took it with both hands.
He scored a brace at Anfield in a 3-0 win over Southampton in the FA cup in February. The 18-year-old showed incredible composure and technique with both goals.
Danns made his sole Carabao cup appearance as a substitute in the final win against Chelsea.
Son of former Crystal Palace midfielder Neil, the young forward was shown incredible faith by Klopp.
With natural goal scoring ability and a keen eye for goal, Danns could force himself into Slot’s first-team plans.
James McConnell
James McConnell flew under the radar during his performances for the first-team last season.
As one of the academy players alongside Bobby Clark and Danns, McConnell was awarded first-time minutes last season.
The 19-year-old assisted the first goal of the game in a 5-2 FA cup win over Norwich in January. He played a fantastic ball over the defence which found Curtis Jones at the back post for the lead.
Unlike teammates Clark and Tyler Morton, McConnell hasn’t been linked with a loan move next season.
However, to avoid a season with the U21s, he will need to impress Slot during pre-season.
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot has made a new Fabio Carvalho decision at Liverpool already.
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