Liverpool's preseason has seen more opportunities handed to youngsters from the academy, with a few hoping that they have staked a claim with Andoni Iraola for next season
Lewis Koumas of Liverpool during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Lewis Koumas could stay and make an impact at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images))
Liverpool has become more and more reliant on the academy ranks across preseason, with a unique set of circumstances this summer handing an opportunity to many youngsters.
With the World Cup break and the impact of injuries, Andoni Iraola has turned to his youth options to help bolster the team during the early weeks of preparation for the season ahead.
While many players have either returned or are making their return soon, a few of those academy aces who have featured may have done enough to break into the first team for the coming campaign, especially with a lack of depth available to the manager.
The likes of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni have established themselves as senior options over the past year already, showing the pathway ahead for those who want to stake a claim in the team. Meanwhile, young defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe has also shown his quality, but won't be available to play for Liverpool this season due to his work permit, meaning a loan is on the way.
So, excluding those three stars, here's a look at another three Liverpool youngsters who have a chance of breaking into the first-team ranks after their preseason displays.
Lewis Koumas
Lewis Koumas is one of the more experienced youngsters, with the winger spending last season on loan with Birmingham City and Hull in the Championship.
Lewis Koumas has already scored in preseason after a successful loan spell in 2025-26
Lewis Koumas has already scored in preseason after a successful loan spell in 2025-26(Image: 2026 Bill Barrett/ISI Photos)
Those spells may have helped him reach a new level, one that has seen Iraola place plenty of faith in the 20-year-old during preseason so far. Even with many returning stars, Koumas started and played the majority of Liverpool's clash with Monaco, which must put him in contention for a place on the roster for the new season.
It will all depend on whether the Welsh international is looking for regular minutes, as a loan move could be secured again before the transfer window shuts, but there is a good reason to keep him around for the coming season.
Luke Chambers
Liverpool's defensive issues have given an opportunity to Luke Chambers, who has impressed in positions that he isn't used to playing in.
The left-back has been asked to play at center-back, and even scored during preseason, showing some impressive elements to his game.
With loan spells at Kilmarnock, Wigan, and Charlton under his belt, it's unclear whether another switch could be on the cards or not, but there is an opportunity for Chambers to step into the backline if required for Liverpool this season.
Will Wright
The first half of the season could be crucial for Will Wright and his hopes of breaking into the first team, due to the lack of striker options for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike's injury means that Alexander Isak is the only natural center-forward available, which could give the youngster an opportunity to impress in short spells. Wright was handed some minutes over the preseason, though the previous clash once again showed that Federico Chiesa could be an unorthodox striker option.
That said, particularly in the cup games, the 18-year-old could be the next star to break through once an opportunity arrives for him.