Over the years Liverpool have produced plenty of talented youngsters including legends like Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard. And with the arrival of the new Premier League season, the fans will get to witness a few more youngsters with tremendous potential.
Some of these players could genuinely become club legends in the future if they show determination and loyalty. Let’s take a look at five youngsters who have a bright future at the club.
Also Read: 5 Liverpool players who need to repay Jurgen Klopp's faith in them
#1 Ovie Ejaria
The 18-year-old is a product of the Arsenal academy and he spent almost nine years with the London club’s academy before making a switch to Liverpool in 2014. The youngster caught Jurgen Klopp’s eye after his impressive performances for Liverpool’s under 21 team, so much so that the German Manager included him in the squad for the pre-season friendlies against Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers.
The player was heavily involved in the wins against both the teams and managed to secure the attention of Liverpool fans as well. The gifted youngster has a keen eye for the ball and is an engine in the midfield.
The most impressive part of Ejaria is his ability to press, his strength and pace, moreover, the young midfielder perfectly suits Jurgen Klopp’s style of play. At a tender age of 18, Ovie Ejaria is a bright prospect for Liverpool and will be guaranteed to feature a lot more in the team for the club.
#2 Sheyi Ojo
The talented young winger established himself as a capable player for the Reds after he made eight cameo appearances in the Premier League alone last season. He scored his first goal against Exeter city in the FA cup.
And did I mention he is “Fast”? Ojo is mighty quick on the wings, there were moments last season where he ran past defenders with absolutely no effort. His strong build and height earned him comparisons to Daniel Sturridge.
Ojo also had bright starts in loan spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic in the past but his development was cut short after he suffered injuries. The youngster was looking set to go on a loan again with heavy interest from Burnley but the deal fell through.
The 19-year-old was has been very successful playing for the England under-19 team, racking up assists against France in July. Liverpool has produced talented youngsters like Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe in the past seasons and Sheyi Ojo can definitely be part of the list if he keeps focused.
Expect to see a lot of appearances off the bench for Ojo.
#3 Kevin Stewart
The 22-year-old youngster was more than impressive in his midfield role during the sporadic appearances he made for Liverpool last season. The youngster was given a new four-year contract back in February after impressing Klopp.
The change from a full back to a defensive midfielder has been very positive for the youngster. Stewart’s 88% passing accuracy is far better than any of the midfielders in the first team. Stewart can also pick out perfect passes as he did against Barcelona when he robbed Sergio Busquets and playing in Divock Origi for the third goal.
Although he might not get to start every week, the youngster’s defensive attributes will be used in certain games where Klopp feels his presence will be required. With Lucas Leiva’s depleting form, Stewart will be keenly waiting to cement his place in the first team.
#4 Cameron Brannagan
The Manchester-born is a technically gifted central midfielder who boasts of sublime balance and can strike with both his feet. The youngster mainly plays in a No.10 position but can also play as a deep lying playmaker, along with playing wide as well.
The 20-year-old youth was signed up by Liverpool at the age of five from a local club in Salford. The youngster made nine appearances for Liverpool last season including a brief appearance against Bordeaux.
Brannagan has recently signed a deal that will keep the midfielder at the club till 2018. Klopp described him as a player with a strong head and good leadership qualities, all the attributes a midfielder must have.
In fact, Brannagan has attracted interest from a big European club like Barcelona after the club’s scouts watched him play in a UEFA Youth League. He might find it difficult to break into the first team given that the team already has an excess of No.10s. But Branagan will be looking to impress Klopp whenever he gets the chance.
#5 Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez was signed from Charlton FC by Liverpool in 2015 for £3.5 million. The 19-year-old youngster was hugely impressive under Brendan Rodgers in his first few games for the club before suffering a cruciate ligament injury while playing for the England under 21s.
Gomez looked very promising as a makeshift left back, contributing three straight clean sheets in seven appearances for the club’s opening three league games. He also played as a centre back on a few occasions and proved to be resilient.
The youngster has shown mental toughness in his road to recovery and has shown plenty of enthusiasm to get back to full fitness. With the player all set to make a come back into the squad, the real question for Klopp will be if he will play as a centre back or a left back.
With the arrivals of Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan, the youngster most probably looks like he will play as left back. With the controversies surrounding Alberto Moreno’s unimpressive performances in recent times, Gomez can be an excellent cover for the Spaniard.
The Englishman definitely possesses the attributes for a defender, both in terms of physicality and height, something Liverpool require given their set piece disasters in recent time. Gomez is another player with a long term future at the club.
