Liverpool have arguably not made as much use as they might have done out of the academy this season.
Amid injury and availability problems, as well as issues with form, Arne Slot has had ample opportunity to throw in some of the Reds’ highly-regarded young players.
While the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have been given some chances, others have likely been frustrated at the lack of action.
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The 17-year-old is a HUGE prospect
Austria's Ifeanyi Ndukwe celebrates after scoring during the FIFA U17 World Cup match against England (Credit: Getty Images/Jurij Kodrun - FIFA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jurij Kodrun/FIFA
DOB: 03/03/2008
Position: Centre-Back
Favoured foot: Right/both
Height: 1.98m
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One area in which Slot really could have experimented is at centre-back, where Liverpool have been reduced to two first-team options for much of the season.
Youngsters Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky have both been included in matchday squads, but have so far not been trusted by the Liverpool head coach. There have been high hopes for the pair, but while they remain well thought of at Anfield, Liverpool’s move to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna is a big blow to them both.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe addition could spell the end for young pair
Liverpool’s academy recruitment has been spot on in recent years and both Nallo and Lucky were brought in as part of that.
But they now look like falling victim to the other edge of the sword, with Ndukwe’s imminent arrival a clear sign that Liverpool think they need something extra.
Liverpool defender Wellity Lucky warms up ahead of the UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro.
Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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READ MORE: What Liverpool’s move for Ifeanyi Ndukwe means for fans’ hopes of a first-team January arrival
Nallo’s story is comfortably the more disappointing of the two. The 19-year-old has remarkably been sent off in each of his two senior Liverpool appearances so far, both coming after being introduced from the bench.
Lucky, meanwhile, was also brought on during October’s defeat against Crystal Palace for his senior debut, and although he has been named in five matchday squads since, he has not looked close to getting on.
Slot clearly does not feel either are of the level required, and while that could still change, the decision to sign an even younger, higher potential defender in Ndukwe suggests they may be out of chances.
Who are you picking as Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner next season?
Marc Guehi pictured smiling during Crystal Palace training (Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little). Ibrahima Konate lines up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus). Giovanni Leoni trains during a session with Liverpool (Credit: Getty Images/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC). Nico Schlotterbeck gestures to the crowd during Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park (Credit: Getty Images/Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Image/Warren Little/Visionhaus/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Max Ellerbrake- Firo sportphoto
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What next for Amara Nallo and Wellity Lucky?
Aged 19 and 20 respectively, Nallo and Lucky will surely have good careers ahead of them. But unless something changes in the next four months or so, that is unlikely to be at Liverpool.
Nallo has a little more time on his side, but after consecutive sendings-off, it would be a surprise if he plays again for the Reds.
A loan move next season would do him the world of good, whether to a Championship side or perhaps even further down the pyramid.
As for Lucky, he grew up in Spain before moving to England as a 13-year-old. Maybe there’ll be a lower table La Liga side who fancy the look of him.
They could, of course, stay at Liverpool for another year. But with Ndukwe likely to have jumped ahead of them in the pecking order, that may only set them back further. This is a shame, but if you do not take your chances as a young player at Liverpool, you are only one move away from the exit door.
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