Liverpool’s batch of talented youngsters are seemingly ready to fight for their place and that includes those that aren’t even based on Merseyside at the moment.
20-year-old Ryan Kent is currently on a season-long loan with Championship newcomers Barnsley but has demonstrated his desire to return to Liverpool in the summer and prove himself to Jurgen Klopp.
Kent has endured an impressive spell under manager Paul Heckingbottom and has been an influential figure in helping the team rise to ninth place.
Klopp’s fearless and open-minded approach to giving youngsters first team opportunities makes it no surprise that the winger still believes he can have a future at Anfield.
His first appearance for Liverpool came in January 2016 when the Reds took on Exeter City in an FA Cup tie.
“The manager gave me my debut last year when I came back from Coventry and to see him giving out even more debuts this year and putting his trust in young players in big games is pivotal – it inspires you,” he told LFCTV’s ‘Academy Show’ via Liverpoolfc.com.
“Not many clubs are giving young players these opportunities, so that’s more inspiration for me to go back to Liverpool in the summer, work hard in pre-season, and push forward for the first team.”
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The experience Kent is getting in the Championship is sure to set him up for a bright future, whether that be at Liverpool, Barnsley or even somewhere else.
The importance of playing competitively in a physically tough league can’t be underestimated when it comes to the development of a young player.
Not only is he getting minutes under his belt, but he is actually moulding into a key player and showcasing what he is capable of.
Klopp has already handed first team starts to Ben Woodburn, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ovie Ejaria, so he certainly has a chance.