Under Jurgen Klopp, we saw the value of youth at Liverpool as the German boss showed no fears when giving out opportunities to Academy players and other youngsters. We don't quite know where Arne Slot falls on that spectrum.
We saw the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha receive a few outings this season, but there were no Jarell Quansah or Conor Bradley breakouts this term.
As we move into what is expected to be a summer of some significant changes within the squad, it's worth taking note of the talent the Reds have playing elsewhere on loan.
Most of those players will never suit up for Liverpool in a consistent and meaningful way, but there are a few that have the chops to stick if they have the right chance handed to them. Let's see what three Liverpool players returning from loan should be given a chance to fight for a first team spot.
Stefan Bajčetić
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The Spaniard had a horrendous start to his campaign when he failed to take off at Red Bull Salzburg under former Klopp assistant, [Pep Lijnders](https://rushthekop.com/former-member-of-jurgen-klopp-s-coaching-staff-accepts-a-surprise-role-at-man-city-01jwhr1xr7ef).
Only a few seasons ago, he was making significant inroads into the first team during a time of injury crisis at the club. To his credit, he stepped up to the moment and seized his chance.
Unfortunately, injury robbed him of all his mometum and that became a theme before he was sent on loan. His calmness and technical skill on the ball allows him to turn defense into offense in a flash and his tenacious tackling means he can break through most attacks.
Getafe CF v UD Las Palmas - La Liga EA Sports | Florencia Tan Jun/GettyImages
Upon joining La Liga side Las Palmas in the winter window, he went on to make 14 appearances where he tallied one goal as well for his work.
The talent is still there and good depth for Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister is needed. Seeing Bajčetić get some proper run in the cups and as a Premier League sub would make a lot of sense, especailly with his upside.
Staying healthy is always his main foe, and if he can get back to Anfield and under their watchful eye, he can be a key contributor going forward.
Ben Doak
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Ben Doak is one of the most exciting young talents that Liverpool have had for quite awhile. His directness on the wing is commendable in a no-nonsense kind of way.
The young Scot knows where he is trying to get and wastes little motion making his way there. He flashed his potential on several occasions for the Reds, but this season while on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, he has really shown his value.
He made 24 league appearances while recording 3 goals and 7 assists. His creative flair was evident on a weekly basis as he became a key player before going down with injury.
Leeds United FC v Middlesbrough FC - Sky Bet Championship | George Wood/GettyImages
The Championship is not a forgiving league, especially for young players, so seeing him bust through to an extent is a good sign of his makeup going forward.
He could be an upside rotation piece behind Mohamed Salah on the wing and perhaps elsewhere as needed across the front.
He has loads of natural talent and plays with a confidence well beyond his age. Still only 19, Slot needs to give him a real look this summer before shipping him off again.
Owen Beck
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The Wrexham born left-back spent the 2024/25 season in the Championship as well, playing for Blackburn Rovers.
He was in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year for the 2023-24 season while on loan at Dundee Fc. That flashed his high-ceiling, and he did his best to kick on again this campaign.
Queens Park Rangers FC v Blackburn Rovers FC - Sky Bet Championship | Justin Setterfield/GettyImages
He scored his first goal for Rovers earlier this season and could be a long-term and cheap option to group with an aging Andy Robertson and the expected arriving, Milos Kerkez.
In this scenario, I expect Kostas Tsimikas to depart this summer and Beck would be a nice sporadic option for Slot to use. Granted, he probably could benefit from one more season on loan, if he truly impresses in pre-season, seeing him stick around [Liverpool](https://rushthekop.com/posts/ranking-the-best-spanish-players-to-play-for-liverpool-01j2f7hw7pcw) would not be the end of the world.
He fell out of favor down the stretch of the league season, so he won't have a lot of momentum behind him, but his talent is something to watch for in the friendlies.