Kaide Gordon earns Liverpool senior promotion after what he did in U21s win v Celtic
Liverpool are set to ramp up preparations for next season when they visit the Far East on Friday (25 July).
The Reds secured a 3-1 victory at Preston North End in their first pre-season match and has helped give Arne Slot an idea of who he will take with him on his preseason tour.
With surprise omissions expected for their trip to Japan, the door could be opened for youth players to be given a chance, especially after what happened in the under-21 game between Liverpool and Celtic.
Owen Beck and Kaide Gordon earn their place in Liverpool’s preseason squad
With Darwin Nunez’s exit at Liverpool likely this summer, it could open the door for some youngsters to get their opportunity in preseason.
Luis Diaz is another who has been heavily linked with a move away, and the Reds could be left short on the wing should the Colombian choose to leave.
That’s where youngster Kaide Gordon could come into play.
The 20-year-old winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Portsmouth and impressed during Liverpool U21’s 8-0 win against Celtic.
Gordon, who plays primarily on the right wing, grabbed a goal and an assist in the first half as he caused problems.
He also helped play a part in the Reds’ third goal as he slid in a cross that found Luca Stephenson, whose initial shot was blocked before Trent Kone-Doherty swept the ball in.
Gordon’s performance was a solid showing as to why Slot should give the former Derby youth player a chance at first-team football this summer.
Another who impressed was 22-year-old left-back Owen Beck.
Beck has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer after a successful loan spell in the Championship with Blackburn Rovers.
The youngster has, however, made a case to stay with the Reds until their preseason tour concludes.
The Welshman bagged two highlight goals against Celtic, which will have attracted attention from the first team.
Liverpool shouldn’t abandon their youth
Amid all the big signings this summer, the Slot mustn’t forget how much Liverpool’s youth have helped them over the years.
| Stats (Championship) | Beck |
| Matches | 24 |
| Ground duels won | 48.9% |
| Aerial duels won | 26.2% |
| Minutes played | 1,873 |
Though the likes of Beck will be down the pecking order at left-back, it would be a waste to see the Welshman not allowed to show what he is capable of.
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