Liverpool’s future hinges on a new manager taking the helm next year. Despite this change, the next manager might find an unexpected midfield option within the team without resorting to the transfer market.
Over the years, loaned Liverpool players rarely returned to make significant impacts. However, in recent times, three individuals have defied this trend, potentially leaving a mark for Klopp’s successor.
Harvey Elliott, a dynamic attacking midfielder aged just 20, showcased his talent during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers. With over 100 appearances for Liverpool, he seamlessly transitioned from Championship standout to Premier League contender.
Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah ventured to League One on loan last year, with both now showing promising growth, evidenced by their recent starts in Liverpool’s win over Brighton. Their development hints at promising futures at Anfield.
Liverpool’s utilisation of the loan system has notably benefited Elliott, Bradley, and Quansah. While Calvin Ramsay faced challenges, Fabio Carvalho’s potential impact remains uncertain. However, another player is catching the eye this season in the Championship.
Tyler Morton, representing promotion-chasing Hull City, is enjoying a highly effective campaign. The England youth international, who has already showcased his skills in the Champions League for Liverpool, has been a consistent presence, featuring in 28 second-tier games and being part of 33 matchday squads. Notably, he contributed to Carvalho’s excellent goal against Leeds United.
“I loved Xabi Alonso so I tried to copy him,” Morton told the Daily Mail earlier this year. “I had trials at both Everton and Liverpool — different teams each night. Nothing against Everton, but the feeling of joining Liverpool was perfect. They were the ones for me.
“Stevie Gerrard was my idol but I loved watching Xabi play; he was just a different class: something new and different at the time. The Premier League didn’t have many Spanish midfielders who absolutely ran the game. It was more physical then; he was technical.”
Morton is evolving into the type of player exemplified by his style, and though he won’t have the opportunity to perform under Alonso in the upcoming season, his presence as a loaned player could still be significant at Anfield.
As Morton returns, Liverpool will welcome back a player who has developed into a more versatile asset, fitting for the demands of top-tier football at the age of 21.
Given Liverpool’s increased fixture load due to the expanded Champions League format and the persistent injuries that have afflicted the squad throughout this campaign, bolstering midfield options would be a prudent move.
Integrating Morton back into the squad after a season of growth would not only be sensible but could also prove invaluable in navigating the challenges ahead.
“These loans have really developed me,” Morton admitted. “It’s amazing. The lads here are fantastic — it’s a really special group. As soon as you walk into the training ground you can see it’s a tight-knit group and that’s been brilliant for my development. I’ve learned a lot of skills aside from being a player.”
“When I saw Tyler play on loan at Blackburn last season, I fell in love with him straightaway,” Hull City boss Liam Rosenior said, via the Yorkshire Post, back in November. “He is everything I like in a midfield player.”
Rosenior consistently selects Morton, indicating potential for him to become a top-tier player, given his skills and potential. It’s plausible that he could join Liverpool next year.
“He is not what I’d call a ball-winning midfielder, but he intercepts so many things and reads the game really well,” Rosenior continued. “He won’t like me saying this because he’s a Liverpool boy, but he reminds me so much of Michael Carrick.
“He was my favourite midfield player in that England generation as he was the guy that made everyone around him better. Tyler has so much potential. I think what helps Tyler at this moment in time is the fact that his style of play suits ours.
“If he played in a more direct team, he wouldn’t be able to direct the team in the way he wants or influence the game, but I still think there’s so much more to come, especially in the final third.”
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