Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, will be evaluating his squad over the summer, considering which areas may need reinforcement. So, who needs to make an impression during pre-season?
Arne Slot is preparing for his first pre-season with Liverpool, as players not participating in summer tournaments are set to return early next month.
The Reds will then head to the US for two weeks to face Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United, before hosting Sevilla at Anfield upon their return to Merseyside. These matches will give Slot a chance to thoroughly assess his squad, with new signings and departures expected this summer.
This period will be crucial for fringe players to demonstrate their readiness to contribute under Slot. But who will be particularly keen to impress the new manager and secure a spot in the first team this season?
Newsnow Liverpool examines five players eager to shine in the US and during training to earn a proper chance this term.
Ben Doak
A severe knee issue disrupted his season, and he missed the Euros with Scotland due to injury. However, the 18-year-old forward hopes those difficulties are behind him as he prepares for pre-season.
Last pre-season, Doak played five games, totaling 180 minutes for the Reds, and had some brief appearances with the first team.
Unfortunately, he got injured in a U21 match against Chelsea, causing him to miss the rest of the season. Now, he aims to impress Slot with his performance in the pre-season warm-up games.
Luke Chambers
The left-back, who spent last season on loan at Wigan, will aim to impress Slot this time around to secure more opportunities at Liverpool. With Andy Robertson as the primary left-back, and Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas also competing for the position, the competition is tough.
However, Chambers hopes to make his mark in cup games this season, but first, he needs to prove his worth to Slot. He will have opportunities during the team’s tour in America to demonstrate his potential for a first-team role instead of going out on another loan spell.
Kaide Gordon
In May, Gordon signed a new long-term contract, indicating Liverpool’s high hopes for the 19-year-old attacker.
He appeared ready for a breakthrough during the 2021-22 season, becoming the club’s youngest scorer in the FA Cup and starting in the League Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Unfortunately, a pelvic growth issue sidelined him for 18 months, hindering his progress. Now, he is eager for the new manager to recognize his potential during pre-season, particularly with many key players on extended breaks.
After returning from injury last season, he impressed, earning first-team opportunities and excelling with the U21s. This season, he is determined to consistently demonstrate his value to Slot and secure a regular spot in the first team.
Fabio Carvalho
Last season, the former Fulham player was loaned out but didn’t get many opportunities at RB Leipzig. He returned and then joined Hull for the second half of the campaign.
Carvalho made a strong impression in the Championship, and now the 21-year-old winger hopes to secure his chance at Liverpool this season.
Slot is expected to assess the young Portuguese player during pre-season to determine if he should go out on loan again or if he can earn enough minutes in the team this term.
Carvalho arrived from Fulham in 2022 with high expectations but has yet to fully showcase his potential. With more first-team experience now, he might be ready.
There will be opportunities on the tour, as Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz will all be joining up late after summer tournaments.
Stefan Bajcetic
During a challenging 2022-23 season for Liverpool, one of the bright spots was the emergence of young Spanish midfielder Bajcetic. Stepping in admirably when Fabinho moved to central defense due to injuries in the Reds’ back line, the teenager impressed with his performances.
Anticipation grew for his role in the upcoming campaign, but a season-ending injury sidelined him for the entirety of the following year. Now fully recovered, he is eager to prove himself to manager Slot during pre-season as he aims to secure his place in the midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister will be taking an extended break due to his participation in the Copa America, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch might also receive time off after their respective exploits at the Euros. Bajcetic is expected to feature prominently during this period in America.
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