Liverpool has announced its 25-man squad for the Premier League season, with a few academy stars making their way into the team for the campaign following the end of the transfer window
Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool applauds the fans at full time following the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC
Liverpool has registered a new right-back to the club's ranks(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
Andoni Iraola may have some unexpected help at right-back this season, after Liverpool registered an academy star who could provide cover in that position.
The full-back areas have been a concern for the past year at Anfield, with Milos Kerkez struggling to show his best form on the left, while the right flank has had many concerns. The opposite side has seen injury troubles for Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Jeremie Frimpong, and while the latter is now available once again, his level of performance in that position has come under scrutiny.
That has led to some discussions surrounding whether Dominik Szoboszlai could feature there again, after the midfielder became a makeshift right-back during an injury-hit part of the previous campaign.
Those talks only escalated due to a summer transfer window that saw Liverpool decline the chance to strengthen there, with Iraola having to get the most out of the options at his disposal.
So when it came to the Premier League squad registration phase, there were plenty of names that many fans expected, but also a few free slots for other names to feature.
Among them is Isaac Mabaya, a 21-year-old right-back who has been registered as part of the senior squad for the first time after he crossed the threshold from an under-21s option to a senior player this year.
Mabaya, who has represented England at the youth international levels, may not be as notable as some of his other academy teammates, but he is an interesting inclusion because he can feature on the right flank.
Isaac Mabaya of Liverpool
Isaac Mabaya of Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The 21-year-old has featured there largely for the under-18s and under-21s during his career so far, though he perhaps lacks some of the experience that some of the other registered players have.
Last season offered an opportunity for the youngster, with a loan to League One side Wigan Athletic, but he picked up just three appearances, all early in the campaign, before making his return to Anfield.
That has naturally led to questions about whether he would be ready for such a step up, but his registration in the team would certainly offer him an opportunity to impress Iraola, if he needs to make some switches to the team.
Mabaya joins the likes of Luke Chambers and James McConnell as being academy stars who have been included for the first time in the senior squad, with the duo also having mixed spells with their loans so far.
It remains to be seen how those academy aces could do, if they are given an opportunity to shine. Considering the concerns over the lack of squad depth, there could be a chance to make a real impression in the months ahead.