Although Arne Slot is likely to resist the urge to throw youngsters into Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Brighton, the Liverpool boss could still hand out an opportunity or two.
The bar for young players to get chances in the first-team has been raised after Slot succeeded Jurgen Klopp in 2024.
While Klopp was more than ready to blood talents from the Liverpool academy whenever needed, Slot has been more reluctant to do so.
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Curtis Jones in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Credit: Gaspafotos/MB Media/ Getty Images
Nevertheless, both Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have managed to elbow their way into the first-team picture, and Kieran Morrison now appears to be on the cusp of doing the same.
Having been sensational of late in the U21s, winning the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for January, Morrison appeared on the bench during Wednesday’s trip to Sunderland. Given the context of Saturday’s match as an FA Cup game, he could do one better and get some game time at Anfield.
Kieran Morrison deserves first-team minutes
Morrison has, of course, already played for the Liverpool first-team, starting in October’s dismal defeat against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
And as academy coach and former Reds midfielder Jay Spearing outlined earlier this week, the 19-year-old has ‘stepped up’ since then.
Borna Sosa of Crystal Palace and Kieran Morrison of Liverpool F.C. battle for a ball during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
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“Listen, Kieran over the past two-to-three months has really stepped up for our under-21s side,” Spearing told The Official Liverpool FC Podcast. “He’s been training every so often with the first team, he’s impressed the manager. He’s been nominated for [Premier League 2] Player of the Month so is in a really good spot.”
That good form has already been recognised by Slot, and if any youngsters are to get on the pitch on Saturday, Morrison would be a good bet.
A skilful, left-footed winger with plenty of tricks up his sleeve, the teenager has looked ready for the first-team stage for a little while already. There have been glimpses here and there, but Saturday could be the day he finally announces himself once and for all.
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Liverpool's Predicted FA Cup XI vs Brighton
Liverpool’s Predicted FA Cup XI vs Brighton
Morrison can be an option for the rest of the season
Morrison has been patient in waiting for his chance to come at Liverpool, and although Slot could still overlook him, it feels like a question of when not if he becomes a regular in first-team training.
From there, it will only take one or two attacking injuries for the Dutchman to turn to Morrison.
Having failed to bring in any new signings during the January transfer window, Liverpool are not going to have any fresh faces to inject some impetus into the second half of the campaign.
But the promotion of a talented youngster can have the same effect on a squad, and Morrison’s arrival as a confident attacking player could be the extra option Liverpool have been searching for.
A lot rides on Saturday, though. If an opportunity does not come for him then, it will become more difficult for Slot to hand them out. Get on and do well, however, and so many doors could instantly open for Morrison.
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