Liverpool supporters would love to see Arne Slot fix the current issues at the club by dipping into the youth teams.
The Dutch coach has so far been reluctant to use too many of the Reds’ young starlets, but as results continue to worsen, perhaps his approach should change.
Slot clearly rates talents like Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, but they are not the only two youngsters who could help Liverpool right now.
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Who is the most talented youngster in the Liverpool academy?
The Reds have a big problem in midfield and arguably an even greater one at centre-back. The first-team options available to Slot are simply not cutting the mustard.
As a last roll of the dice, the head coach should be looking to the Liverpool academy for anyone who can realistically help. As he does, the name of Carter Pinnington should be flashing.
Carter Pinnington hailed for midfield reinvention
Pinnington is at the very least on the wider radar of Slot after being involved on the bench during October’s Carabao Cup defeat against Crystal Palace.
But while he is described by Liverpoolfc.com as a ‘commanding centre-half’ – which the Reds could do with right now – U21s coach Rob Page has also hailed the 18-year-old’s versatility.
Carter Pinnington pictured in action during Liverpool's UEFA Youth League match against Atletico Madrid.
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
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“I’ve been impressed with his development,” Page said after Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
“In pre-season he was a little bit frustrated with the lack of minutes at centre-back as we had Rhys Williams in the squad, Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky, but when he was asked to play in midfield as a six he gave the best he could.
“His attitude is second to none. When you have that attitude and a willingness to work, then you have a chance. He’s a great lad to work with every day, always has a smile on his face and wants to get better. And that’s the foundation you need to be a top player. I’m looking forward to working with him in the future.”
Supporters often wonder why the most celebrated talents in the youth teams usually fail to make it, but it is those with strong attitudes like Pinnington who arguably stand a better chance. With Liverpool looking for answers in defence and midfield, he could yet become a factor.
Carter Pinnington earns praise for new-found versatility
Carter Pinnington warms up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Youth League match against PSV Eindhoven
Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images
Name: Carter Pinnington
DOB: 21/02/2007
Position: Centre-back, Defensive midfield
Plays a bit like: Ethan Ampadu
Pinnington earns Ethan Ampadu comparison
Page went even further in his praise of Pinnington, likening the teenager to Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu.
“I worked with Ethan Ampadu who is now at Leeds, and I used to play him centre-back or in midfield and Carter is very similar to Ethan,” said the former Wales manager.
“If you have another string to your bow and you can play in multiple positions, it adds value. I know I can trust him as a six.”
Ampadu has been described as ‘fantastic‘ by Leeds teammate Karl Darlow after blossoming into an excellent international footballer.
If Pinnington can justify comparisons to the former Chelsea academy star in the coming weeks, then he could certainly be worth a look in the senior side.
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