Boasting an elite academy full of young stars, Jurgen Klopp could be tempted to dip into the Reds’ vast talent pool this season. With this in mind, here are five Liverpool youngsters who could have a big 2023.
Last year, our list included an array of quality players, including the likes of Melkamu Frauendorf and Kaide Gordon. These teenagers actually made first-team appearances in 2022 – so, clearly, there are opportunities to make Jurgen Klopp’s squad for youngsters.
Here, we have picked five teenagers that really stand out in the system. Some are already on the fringes of the first team, meanwhile, others are tearing it up in the academy divisions.
Ben Doak, 17
Despite his tender age, Scotland U17 international Ben Doak has already tasted first-team football. For instance, he made two appearances at his previous club, Celtic, including in an Old Firm derby.
Following his summer move to Anfield, though, Doak has returned to youth level – albeit in the Premier League 2. The right winger has shown an impressive ability to get a goal involvement during his time in the U18 and U21 teams. This season, he has eight goals and six assists from 15 matches in all comps – a great return.
His talent saw Doak make his first team debut in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Derby. The Scot made a brief, 16-minute cameo in the second half as the Reds went through on penalties.
In addition, he recently featured in Liverpool’s mid-season friendly vs AC Milan in Dubai. Surely, Doak will end up as a first-team regular in the future.
Stefan Bajcetic, 18
Still just 18, Stefan Bajcetic has already made six appearances under Jurgen Klopp this campaign. This includes two starts in the Carabao Cup against Derby and Man City respectively. Furthermore, Klopp showed his trust in this Liverpool youngster by deploying Bajcetic in three Champions League games, too.
Before this, the holding midfielder featured four times during the Reds’ pre-season fixtures. He played both in midfield and defence, demonstrating his versatility. Bajcetic is a confident player who is not afraid to receive the ball in tight spaces, whilst also showing a good reading of the game to win back possession.
Because of this, the Spanish U19 star should only see his first-team minutes increase as the season progresses. He has already seen some Premier League action upon the return of domestic football on Boxing Day. Bajcetic came on as a sub during Liverpool’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa, scoring the Reds’ third.
If he continues to impress, the young midfielder will surely solidify a place in the first-team squad soon.
Trent Kone-Doherty, 16
Since arriving from Derry in July 2022, forward Trent Kone-Doherty has showcased why the Reds paid to bring him to Merseyside. He absolutely deserves to be on our top Liverpool youngsters list as a result of his explosive play.
Happiest playing on the wing, Kone-Doherty has stung academy defences with his pace and two-footedness. He has thus managed nine goals and one assist in 14 U18 appearances this term, with three of those goals coming in the UEFA Youth League.
The Irish star has also scored a brace against Man United in the U18 Premier League. This will certainly be popular with Reds fans.
However, we may still be quite far away from seeing Kone-Doherty in the first-team fold. At just 16, though, he could have a bright future as one of the standout youngsters in the Liverpool system.
Lewis Koumas, 17
Another player in great form for the U18s, Lewis Koumas is also splitting his time in the U21 squad. He has made three appearances for the eldest academy side as a result, including one start.
But, for the U18s, the Chester-born starlet has been prolific. He has seven goals from just six domestic starts this season, plus three assists. Four of his strikes came in his side’s opening fixture, where Liverpool thrashed Middlesbrough 6-2.
Although Liverpool’s website list him as a midfielder, Koumas has had minutes playing in a centre forward role. Given his goal record in the U18 side, he could flourish there for the U21s in 2023.
Who knows? Maybe he will see put himself in Jurgen Klopp’s squad for next year, too.
Luke Chambers, 18
Finally, rounding out our list of youngsters who could excel at Liverpool in 2023 is Luke Chambers. Like the aforementioned Doak and Bajcetic, Chambers has tasted first-team football at Anfield.
He played with Liverpool’s big hitters during the pre-season tour of Asia. However, the defender has not yet made his competitive debut for the Reds.
Nevertheless, the 18-year-old has established himself as a crucial piece of Liverpool’s U21 squad. Playing at left-back, Chambers has shown his quality going forwards by registering three goals and four assists in 2022/23.
What also makes this more impressive is that he has played centre-back on occasion, too. Chambers, therefore, is arguably emerging as the perfect two-way modern full-back – ideal for the Liverpool system.
With Klopp putting the England U19 player on the bench in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup, Chambers is clearly in the manager’s plans. Do not be surprised to see him make his Reds debut in 2023.
But who else should you look out for? Well, an honourable mention must go to Oakley Cannonier. The forward has been on a tear in the UEFA Youth League, with seven goals in four games.
Meanwhile, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Blair should have big futures ahead of them, too.
Featured image credit: Getty