Forgotten Liverpool Duo Make Low-key Appearances as Summer Exits Expected
The Liverpool duo have been left out of the pre-season tour in the USA. Meanwhile, Liverpool under-21s continued their preparations for the upcoming season with a 2-0 win over Chorley Town.
The young Reds achieved victory against the National League North team thanks to goals from Calum Scanlon and Ranel Young.
Barry Lewtas’ squad is currently missing several players who are participating in the first team’s pre-season tour of the USA. Among those in the States are youngsters like Lewis Koumas, James McConnell, and Luke Chambers.
Calum Scanlon might have been an unexpected exclusion, having made two Europa League appearances last season and signed a new contract in April. However, there were two players who participated in the match against Chorley but were not included in Arne Slot’s touring squad.
It is anticipated that departures are imminent this summer. Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio, both older than the under-21s’ age limit, featured in the game.
Williams, aged 23, is in the final two years of his contract with Liverpool. He was initially seen as a promising talent when he stepped up during a defensive crisis in the 2020-21 season.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez all sidelined, Williams, along with Nat Phillips, played a crucial role in Liverpool’s defense. Their efforts helped secure an unexpected third-place finish in the Premier League and a spot in the Champions League.
However, Williams has faced challenges during his loan spells at Swansea City and Aberdeen. Additionally, he suffered an injury shortly after joining Port Vale in January, leading to his return to Merseyside. The former England youth international is now attracting interest from clubs in League One and Turkey.
Koumetio, who joined Liverpool from French club Orleans in 2018, made history as the youngest player to appear for the Reds in the Champions League at just 18 years and 25 days old during a 1-1 draw with FC Midtjylland in December 2020.
Despite this achievement, opportunities for the centre-back have been scarce. Koumetio has experienced challenging loan spells with Austria Wien, Dunkerque, and Blackburn Rovers last season. Dundee United are reportedly in discussions with the defender, who will turn 22 in November.
Lewtas, speaking to Liverpool’s website, said: “It’s typical 21s. It’s a complete mix. I highly doubt that’ll be the team we put out first day of the season.
“We’ve always been successful with the way we’ve done it in terms of the lads on loan and the lads coming up. Obviously, we give the lads an opportunity at a particular time. It was a real mix but it’s good.
“I think some of the older boys that have been around have been able to help some of the younger lads who have moved into the group full-time.
“They’re experienced, they’ve been in the league, and they’ve played games and know what the 21s is about. I have to give them massive credit.
“They’ve trained properly and done everything properly and I think you could see that there. It was a lovely blend of younger players and players a little bit more senior but certainly it’s something to give us a bit of a platform to start the season.”
In other Liverpool news, Arne Slot Gives Liverpool Star His First Minutes in Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
