Two Liverpool Youngsters to Get Milan Chance as Arne Slot Prepares for UCL Game as Reds Boss

Liverpool are set to return to the UEFA Youth League, starting their campaign this afternoon against AC Milan.

While Arne Slot’s senior team prepares for their European fixture, the under-19 squad will also mark their return to the competition. A few hours before the senior team steps onto the San Siro pitch, Liverpool’s youth team will resume their participation in the UEFA Youth League after being absent for a year.

With the first team qualifying for the Champions League, the Reds’ under-19 squad now has the opportunity to compete once again with top academy teams from across Europe.

This season’s Youth League mirrors the new format of the revamped main competition, though without the additional two final games.

Liverpool’s youth side will kick off their UEFA Youth League campaign against AC Milan this afternoon at the Centro Sportivo Vismara, with the match scheduled for a 1:30 pm start.

“I suppose this time it gives us six games against six different opponents,” says U21s coach Barry Lewtas, who will take charge of the team.

“The challenge is that little bit different but what’s great about that is it gives us exposure to playing against six different teams, so from a player point of view it’s great to test their wits against those different sides.

“For us as staff, it’s a really good opportunity as well to come up against six different European teams.

“But it’s an exciting opportunity for the players because of the number of players in the past who played in this competition going on to play for the first team. It’s a real good stepping stone and a test in their young career.”

The UEFA Youth League has proven its worth, with current first-team players like Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, and Tyler Morton all benefiting from the valuable experience they gained while representing Liverpool in the tournament.

This will be the sixth time Liverpool have taken part, having previously twice reached the quarter-finals. And Lewtas says: “You do get that buzz. We get to play our game on Tuesday afternoon, which I know the first-team staff will have a bit of a watch and there is always something on that as well.

“That’s nice and for us we get to watch the first team later that evening up close, which is a fantastic experience for the players.

“Champions League nights are very special at Anfield and Champions League nights at the San Siro is a fantastic experience as well, so I’m really pleased that this current group will get the opportunity that others have had before them.”

As 18-year-old striker Jayden Danns continues to recover from an injury, 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni is one of the most notable players eligible to feature in Milan.

Others available for selection include goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, defenders Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington, along with attackers Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty.

New arrivals Rio Ngumoha and Alvin Ayman, both aged 16, recently made their first appearances for Liverpool’s U18 side in a 2-0 home loss to Blackburn Rovers.

Ngumoha, a left winger who joined from Chelsea, is expected to be included in the squad for the U19 game in Milan.

“We have brought in the boys because they have potential to reach the first team, of course. But there’s no pressure from us. They come in and they have to get used to the environment, the new team-mates, coaching staff, support staff, living somewhere new.

“Our job is to make sure they are happy and make sure they are in a position where they feel comfortable and can keep learning. Whatever goes on outside these gates doesn’t make any difference – the work that goes on inside the gates every day is what we focus on.”

In other Liverpool news, Paulo Fonseca Sends Warning to AC Milan Players Ahead of CL Clash as He Outlines Differences in Arne Slot’s Liverpool to Jurgen Klopp Side