Liverpool will play its first friendly of the summer against Preston North End this weekend, and the start of the summer is always a good time for some young talents to shine.
Of course, this year, the preparations for the new campaign are taking place in unspeakably difficult circumstances following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Sunday's game at Deepdale will mark the first time that the Reds have played since the heartbreaking news about the No. 20 and his brother, Andre Silva, emerged last Thursday.
The Reds have confirmed that Jota's jersey number will be retired after consulting with his family. Meanwhile, tributes will be made pre-match to the Portugal striker with You'll Never Walk Alone to be played.
Though the circumstances are difficult, preseason will begin the process of returning to some form of normality at Anfield — at least as much as that will be possible. And for some young talents, there will be a chance to stake a claim.
The breakout star of last summer's pre-season, former Leicester City midfielder Trey Nyoni is a huge talent. He has regularly trained with the first team under Arne Slot and is a gifted one to watch.
Nyoni has only just turned 18, and he penned a new contract last month, but he made six senior appearances last season, including playing in the Champions League. Technically gifted and with lovely balance, there is big potential to be tapped into.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Similarly, Rio Ngumoha is the other obvious standout for Liverpool in terms of young talents. Signed from Chelsea, leaving the Stamford Bridge side furious last summer, he too made his senior debut under Slot.
Ngumoha was snapped up because Liverpool has a well-trodden pathway to the first team. That was proven to be the right call when he started against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup and more showings in preseason are likely to beckon.
Amara Nallo was another who appeared in Europe for Liverpool last season, though it certainly didn't go as smoothly for him. The U21s captain was sent off within minutes of coming on against PSV, setting a new club record for the fastest red card.
Nallo, though, is highly rated. Though he has plenty of learning to do and he can at times lose concentration, pre-season should offer him the opportunity to show what he can do — especially with Jarell Quansah having moved to Bayer Leverkusen.
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Nyoni, Ngumoha and Nallo are the most obvious three players to watch — maybe alongside new signing Armin Pecsi — but there are two others who impressed last season and might get chances too.
Usually, it is easier to throw in attackers, with Kieran Morrison and Trent Kone-Doherty both having good seasons. They would be among those who could also be considered in forward areas.
Morrison can play off the right or as a No. 10; he scored six goals and set up another five in all competitions last season. Kone-Doherty, meanwhile, was a key man in the UEFA Youth League, netting three times in seven games at U19 level.
Whether it is against Preston or later on down the line, Liverpool has several young players to watch out for this summer. There is usually one who stands out above the rest — and Slot will be watching closely.