Fabio Carvalho set for Liverpool lifeline after Arne Slot admission in first press conference
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed there will be first-team opportunities for youth players next season.
Slot held his first press conference alongside sporting director Richard Hughes on Friday (5 July) and said there will still be opportunities for the youngsters.
The Dutchman was officially appointed as legendary manager Jurgen Klopp’s successor on 21 May.
“I like to see good players. If they are old or young, it doesn’t matter that much,” Slot said in the press conference. “It’s always good for a team when young players come through.
“It brings energy to a club. In the end, it’s all about the quality. They did really well. If they continue doing so, there will be a chance they will play as well.”
Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Jayden Danns got first-team minutes last season to help aid the first-team injury crisis.
But the returning Fabio Carvalho could be the biggest beneficiary of Slot’s admission.
Fabio Carvalho to fight for Liverpool chance
Carvalho joined Liverpool from Fulham in 2022 (BBC Sport, 23 May 2022) with a bright future ahead.
He scored an important 98-minute winner against Newcastle United at Anfield but spent the most part of the season on the bench.
His luck went from bad to worse when a promising loan move to RB Leipzig was cut short by the Reds due to a lack of game time.
The 21-year-old joined Tyler Morton at Hull City and rediscovered his form in the second half of the 2023-24 season.
Carvalho recorded nine goals and two assists in 20 Championship appearances for the Tigers as they finished in seventh place, three points off the play-off spots.
He can provide versatility across the front-line and be a welcome squad depth option for Slot in his debut season.
Klopp realised the importance of squad depth last year as fatigue and injuries saw the Reds crash out of all competitions.
With suggestions that the Reds won’t be active in the transfer market, plus the introduction of the new Champions League format, having a player of Carvalho’s quality could prove invaluable for Slot for the upcoming season.
Slot is ready to welcome youngsters into the fold; now it’s over to Carvalho to show what he is capable of.
In other Liverpool news, Mohamed Salah has made his Olympics decision.
For more Liverpool news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.