This is the sixth of a weekly series titled “The Magnificent Seven”. Every week we’ll be taking a look at almost everything regarding Liverpool, ranked in a top seven. In this edition we’ll be looking at the seven best prospects in the current Liverpool squad, with the cutoff being players 20 years or younger. With preseason football just recently kicking off, this is the time when youngsters are given a decent chance to prove just what they’re made of. Some players featuring in this list have used preseason matches of previous years to win the favour of coaches and fans alike.
7 – Pedro Chirivella
The young Spaniard has some talent. Blessed with the guile one would typically attribute to a player from his nation, he’s shown that technically he’s definitely one of the better youngsters. He scored the third goal in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers, and more of the same is hoped for. There’s a long list of players similar to Chirivella in many ways who recently haven’t been able to break into the first team, it unfortunately looks tough for him to be able to break that mould anytime soon.
6 – Ryan Kent
Spent last season on loan at Barnsley and won their young player of the year award. The 20-year-old has something very unique about him, undoubtedly our most exciting youngster when he’s running with the ball. Kent impressed greatly last summer and here’s hoping for more of the same.
5 – Ovie Ejaria
The former Arsenal academy product is another who broke out last summer. The lanky midfielder brings some guile and steadiness to the middle of the pitch whenever he features. Came on and impressed in the few times he was called upon last season. Expect to see him more often.
4 – Ben Woodburn
Liverpool’s youngest ever goal scorer. You’ll be hard-done by trying to find a supporter that doesn’t rate him, there were few louder roars at Anfield last season than when he scored in front of the Kop. The sky is the limit with Woodburn, he finds himself only at number four on this list due to how raw his ability is at the moment.
3 – Sheyi Ojo
After showcasing his ability in 2015/16, many expected last campaign to be his breakout. Unfortunately, injuries haunted the English U20 international and he in many ways has to make up an entire year of his career. With the current squad lacking depth on the wings however, expect him to feature a decent amount.
2 – Trent Alexander-Arnold
The only Scouser on this list, many expect Arnold to one-day wear the armband on his sleeve, he himself believes this. The confidence in his ability, and passion for the club spills out whenever he speaks and manifests on the pitch whenever he plays. Look no further than the fact that his first ever Premier League start came at Old Trafford. And bar one moment where Anthony Martial got the better of him, he put in a fine performance. The rise of Arnold has been so great that any talk of reinforcements at right back were shut down as soon as he broke onto the scene. An extremely talented youngster with a burning passion for Liverpool, looks like we really could have a star in the making.
1 – Dominic Solanke
Acquired from Chelsea this summer with little-to-no fanfare, no one really knew what was to be gained from signing the 19-year-old. Fast forward 6 weeks and one U20 World Cup later and expectations have risen significantly. Not only was Solanke instrumental in England winning the World Cup but he walked away with the Golden Ball. A lot of excitement has begun to build around this kid and Jurgen Klopp will be sure not to overburden him too quickly. Expect a quiet start from Solanke, but definitely keep an eye on this space.
