The summer will be spent by Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, evaluating his team and considering areas that might require reinforcement. Therefore, preseason performance is crucial for those players.
Players from Liverpool who were not at summer competitions are expected to return early next month, and Arne Slot is about to conduct his first preseason.
After that, the Reds will spend two weeks in the United States playing Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United before welcoming Sevilla to Anfield on Merseyside. With new players expected to arrive and depart this summer, Slot will have an opportunity to really examine the team he has at his disposal in these games.
Those who are on the outside will have the chance to demonstrate that they are prepared to assist Slot. However, who will be especially eager to win over the new manager and hope to force their way into his plans to start for the first team this season?
STEFAN BAJCETIC
Young Spanish midfielder Bajcetic’s rise to prominence in 2022–23 was one of Liverpool’s bright spots throughout a challenging season.
As the Reds’ back line ailments worsened, the teenager impressed as he filled in for Fabinho in a central defensive role.
There was a lot of anticipation for what he may accomplish in the upcoming season, but he was out for the entire previous one due to an injury.
Now that he is fully recovered, he is eager to prove to Slot that he can play in his midfield, and the preseason will be the ideal opportunity to do so.
Due to his participation in the Copa America, Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentine star, will be getting a longer rest than usual. Dominik Szoboszlai, who did well with Hungary in the Euros, may also get a break, as will Ryan Gravenberch. Expected to see some action in America, for sure.
Fabio Carvalho
The former Fulham player was sent out on loan last season, but he didn’t receive the opportunity at RB Leipzig, so he came back and spent the second part of the season at Hull.
Carvalho made an impression in the Championship, but the 21-year-old winger will now be looking to Liverpool for an opportunity this year.
Before determining if the young Portuguese player needs to go out on loan once more or if he can get enough playing time with his squad this season, Slot is anticipated to take a look at him during the preseason.
Carvalho made a big splash when he joined from Fulham in 2022, but he hasn’t yet lived up to the hype. Now that he has more first-team experience under his belt, he might be ready.
Due to their late arrivals following summer tournaments, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz will all have opportunities on the tour.
KAIDE GORDON
Gordon re-signed a long-term deal in May, indicating that Liverpool has high expectations for the attacker, who is 19 years old.
After becoming the team’s youngest-ever FA Cup scorer and starting the League Cup semifinal matchup against Arsenal, he appeared to be primed for success in the 2021–22 season.
However, a pelvic growth issue prevented him from moving for eighteen months and stunted his growth. Now that so many important players are taking lengthier rests during preseason, he will be hoping the new manager would keep a look out for young talent to provide chances.
After making a full recovery from injury last season, he not only started for the U21s but also made an impression on the first team. Now, though, he will be looking for an opportunity to prove to Slot that he can contribute to the first team this season on a more regular basis.
LUKE CHAMBERS
The left-back hopes to impress Slot now to receive more opportunities at Liverpool after having a great loan stint at Wigan last season. In the left-back position, Andy Robertson is undoubtedly the star player, although Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez are also present.
However, Chambers needs to prove he can beat Slot before he can hope to be involved in cup games this season. Rather than going on another loan, he will have the opportunity to play in America and prove he can contribute to the first team.
Ben Doak
His season was ruined by a catastrophic knee injury, and he was also injured to miss Scotland’s participation in the Euros. However, the 18-year-old forward is hoping that all of that is in the past and that he is ready for the preseason.
Doak spent 180 minutes playing five games for the Reds during the previous preseason before getting a few quick looks with the starting lineup.
He then sustained an injury during a U21 match against Chelsea, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season. However, he will be looking to use the campaign warm-up games to demonstrate to Slot what he can do with more action.
