Liverpool might not be having the best of times right now but some of their loanees are.
A lot changed over the summer for the Reds, with there being plenty of new arrivals, while a fair few also said their goodbyes.
Due to the amount of quality added to the squad, a lot of fringe players or younger stars have been forced out temporarily, although this was the ideal scenario for many to get valuable minutes.
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There is one player in particular who was on the cusp of staying due to how impressive he was on the pre-season tour, but in the end, Liverpool decided to send him out for the season.
However, even if the Reds were thinking about recalling him, which could be an option given the need in this area of the pitch, the player in question has ruled this out himself.
Luca Stephenson pictured during a Liverpool pre-season training session in Hong Kong.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Luca Stephenson wants to stay at Dundee United
Luca Stephenson may not have been a name that rang a bell until the summer, but during Liverpool’s tour of Asia, he certainly made his presence known.
He was on-loan at Dundee United last season, and his performances over the summer almost meant he stayed put, but Liverpool allowed him to go for some minutes.
It has proved to be a good decision as the 22-year-old is thriving in Scotland again, operating as a right-back/right-mid.
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However, despite Liverpool potentially needing him back due to problems in this area of the pitch, Stephenson himself has said he would like to stay, meaning recalling him would be a last resort.
“I want to stick around for the full season here,” he said to The Courier.
“It doesn’t matter how well I’m doing or how well I did last season, when I join a club, I commit to a full season.
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“I almost try and forget about being a Liverpool player a little bit. I’m a Dundee United player and that’s my only concern.”
Slot loved him in pre-season, but for now, it is clear where his head is at.
Luca Stephenson’s versatility makes him stand out
Stephenson very much could be considered the modern day James Milner, with the Englishman able to play anywhere.
He mainly operates at right-back, but can also play right midfield, centre midfielder and has even played as a centre-back before.
This could come in handy one day as he would be a brilliant player to have in the squad, especially when times are tough with injuries like they are a little right now.
For now, it looks like Stephenson will see out his season in Scotland, but beyond the summer, his future could lie anywhere.