Arne Slot could give chances to several Liverpool youngsters during Saturday FA Cup tie with Brighton.
The Reds are favourites to go through against Fabian Hurzeler’s side, with home advantage hopefully counting in their favour.
Nevertheless, the strength of the Seagulls as opposition means Slot may use less young players than he had initially hoped in this fourth round clash.
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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
Despite that, there were some fresh faces on show in training ahead of Saturday’s fixture at Anfield.
One of the most interesting was left-back Clae Ewing, who was thrown into the action at the AXA Training Centre for the very first time.
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Ironically, left-back has been one of the areas of real strength for Liverpool in recent times.
Both Milos Kerkez and Andy Robertson have been consistently good since the autumn, with Slot surely relieved at the pair’s form.
Clae Ewing crosses the ball during Liverpool U21s match against Leeds at the AXA Training Centre
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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That arguably makes Ewing’s emergence as a first-team option all the more impressive, with Slot clearly interested in his abilities.
With both Kerkez and Robertson to choose from, it seems unlikely that the 19-year-old will see the pitch against Brighton. But if he does come on, it will represent a debut for a player who joined the Reds aged 12.
Ewing appeared to hold his own in the Inside Training video released on LFCTV on Friday, going up against Liverpool’s senior players in what will have been a hugely beneficial experience.
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Ewing could be one to watch next season
Although Slot does currently have two very accomplished options at left-back, that is likely to change next season.
Robertson’s departure is looking more probable with every passing day, and Liverpool are going to have to find a replacement to be Kerkez’s back-up.
Luke Chambers is doing well on-loan at Charlton, and the 21-year-old may be one of the strongest candidates for that, but Ewing should not be discounted either.
There is a space up for grabs there, and while Chambers is away impressing on someone else’s watch, Ewing can catch Slot’s eye at the AXA.
By training with the team ahead of a big game he has already made one small step on the ladder, it is now up to the youngster to keep on climbing.
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