Klopp issues challenge to youngsters
Due to limited squad depth, many Liverpool youngsters enjoyed a breakout season with opportunities in the senior squad being given out. However, with a number of new signings expected to come into Anfield this summer, Jürgen Klopp has urged his youth players to take the next step in their career. Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Wilson, and Ovie Ejara forced themselves into the team last campaign, and Ben Woodburn even became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer with his strike against Leeds.
Klopp has told his players that first team opportunities have got to be earned next season. He also said, “The boys did really well but they all have to improve. They have to go from being really skilled kids to being players that you have to use. That’s the next step.”
Ejara rejected French move
It has recently been revealed that French giants, PSG made a move for Ovie Ejara back in 2015. A PSG insider explained that Ejara 100% didn’t want to leave England as he looked to establish himself within the Anfield ranks. This reluctance to leave England is apparently an issue that many foreign clubs face when they try to sign British players. It also came out that PSG looked to sign Ashley Young but the midfielder was also pessimistic about moving countries.
Can’s cameo in German victory
Emre Can came on as a late substitute during Germany’s 3-2 win over Australia in the Confederations Cup. This was their first fixture of the tournament. Can replaced goalscorer Lars Stindl in the 78th minute as his side looked to see out the rest of the match. Former Liverpool target, and captain on the night, Julian Draxler also got on the scoresheet with a confidently taken penalty. This was very much a German ‘B’ side as Joachim Löw looked to experiment with some of the younger players at his disposal. Bernd Leno, another player who had previously been linked with a Merseyside move, had a poor game between the sticks as he made two fatal errors which gifted the Socceroos both of their goals. Germany face Chile on Thursday.
Awoniyi wants a domestic loan
Liverpool are hoping that Taiwo Awoniyi will be able to qualify for a work permit so they can send him on loan to a domestic club next season. The Nigerian spent the last campaign on loan with NEC Nijmegen in Holland and is unlikely to feature in Liverpool’s plans this time around. However, he still has three years left on his contract so the hope is that he’ll be able to enhance his ability with a loan to an English club. Awoniyi is yet to train at the Melwood facility despite signing for the Reds two years ago, so the result of his application for a permit still remains uncertain.