Liverpool’s academy has been the subject of much discussion this season as Arne Slot continues to overlook some of the club’s most talented young players.
After succeeding Jurgen Klopp, Slot had been expected to uphold the Reds’ long tradition of blooding academy starlets into the first team.
However, while the Dutchman has taken a shine to prospects such as Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, there have been arguments from supporters that he has not played them anywhere near enough.
mail iconJoin our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
Do you think it’s time for Arne Slot to start trusting Rio Ngumoha more?
Aldo reckons he would solve our predictability issue…
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Slot has faced scrutiny over his treatment of Ngumoha in particular, and although Liverpool clearly still believe in his ability, fans would like to see him more often.
According to The Athletic, Ngumoha is not the only youngster with big expectations at Anfield, though, with the Reds also pinning some hopes on fellow 17-year-old Will Wright.
Liverpool have ‘high hopes’ for Will Wright
After Alexander Isak’s recent injury left Liverpool light up front, supporters have been assessing how Slot can soften the blow of losing his No. 9.
The door would have been open for Jayden Danns had he been fit, but with the 20-year-old continuing to suffer with recurrent injury issues, Wright may be next in line.
Liverpool youngster Will Wright pictured in action during the pre-season friendly match against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: What’s really happening between Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp and Real Madrid
The Athletic claim that Liverpool have ‘high hopes’ for the teenager, who arrived from Salford City for £200,000 last summer.
Wright is put next to Ngumoha and Nyoni as being part of the next cycle of top youngsters, with Liverpool said to believe that last summer saw the end of a previous round of talent development.
With Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Harvey Elliott and Nat Phillips all leaving, staff at the academy are claimed to have felt the end of a ‘strong generation’ had been reached.
Will Xabi Alonso be Liverpool manager by the start of the 2026/27 season?
If no, where will he be instead?
Xabi Alonso pictured during Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Betis at the Bernabeu (Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
New signings Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye, alongside Ngumoha, Nyoni and Wright appear to be the leading lights of the next age group.
Could Wright get his chance this season?
Had Wright not picked up a knee problem during the early part of the campaign, the chances are that he would have been involved with the first team squad at some stage already.
The former Salford striker was brought on alongside the more senior players during August’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao and is clearly being offered a pathway to Slot’s squad.
However, with Isak already on the road to recovery and Mohamed Salah soon back from the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool’s attacking options are set to be reinforced.
Wright is still making his first steps since being injured himself, and that setback likely pushed back his chances of first team involvement. While his chance may not come this season, though, we will surely see Wright in action over the course of next summer. If he can impress then, it won’t be long before a bigger opportunity arrives.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox