Liverpool youngster Will Wright looks primed to take over as the Reds’ main centre-forward option during the upcoming pre-season.
It is set to be a slightly fragmented summer for Liverpool, with so many key players delaying their return after being in action during the World Cup.
While this will be frustrating for Arne Slot as he tries to prepare for a better campaign, it will at least give a big chance to some of Liverpool’s most talented youngsters. After scoring two more big goals for the U21s on Sunday, Wright looks likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries.
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Florian Wirtz knee slides in celebration after scoring for Liverpool during their Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC).
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Wright can benefit from Isak and Ekitike’s absence
It is not only the World Cup which is set to rob Liverpool of some big players this summer.
Injuries have been a problem for the Reds all season long, and in Hugo Ekitike they will be without one of their key names throughout pre-season.
With Ekitike likely missing until the new year, and Isak turning out for Sweden in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Slot has a void to fill up front.
Liverpool could of course make a new signing to see them through the summer friendlies and beyond, but unless that happens early-ish into the summer, the Reds boss is likely to lean on both Wright and Jayden Danns.
Liverpool U21 v Tottenham Hotspur U21: Premier League 2
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Given the fact that Danns has played so little football this season and has not been completely match fit for more than 12 months, Wright is well-positioned to take the mantle.
The curtain came down on the U21s season on Sunday as they were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace in the Premier League 2 play-off. But after featuring in a Premier League squad for the first time on Saturday, Wright’s two goals on the day have put him in the spotlight again.
Keyrol Figueroa could be another option for Slot
Along with Wright, 19-year-old Keyrol Figueroa has been one of the most promising players in the U21s this season, and he underlined that once again with another goal on Sunday.
The USA youth international is seemingly behind Wright in Slot’s thinking, but with options for pre-season so thin on the ground, he could get a chance this summer.
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Trey Nyoni in action during Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool celebrates at full-time following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park
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For both Wright and Figueroa, these opportunities should not be seen as meaningless, either.
With Liverpool so light on attacking options heading into the season, there is a real chance for both of them to stake a summer claim and make themselves genuine contenders to play back-up to Isak.
After a big weekend on a personal level, Wright looks primed to continue his development and make a big step up this off-season.
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