-Credit:Getty Images
Arne Slot has given an indication that he feels three youth players could have a bigger role to play for Liverpool over the coming years.
The Reds return to Premier League action on Tuesday with a trip to high-flying Nottingham Forest after successive cup matches last week. Slot used the opportunity to rest and rotate his squad for matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Accrington Stanley.
Particularly in the latter, Slot handed minutes to fringe members of the team and youngsters. Rio Ngumoha started in the 4-0 FA Cup victory, Jayden Danns scored after his introduction from the bench and Trey Nyoni set up Federico Chiesa’s late goal.
READ MORE: ‘I think the Premier League title race will be finished if Liverpool can take six points this week’
READ MORE: Arne Slot confirms Liverpool injury latest as two players to miss Nottingham Forest
Speaking ahead of the game against Forest, Slot was asked about the importance of bringing through youth players and referenced all three underage players.
“That’s very important for every club but especially for this club. I said that earlier and it’s important the club brings talent through the ranks.
“It’s nice to see there are some youngsters who are having an impact in our team and on games. It’s nice because it gives good energy in the building if academy players are playing well. Jayden scoring, Rio impressing, Trey assisting.”
Liverpool has made a habit of introducing youth players into the senior team over recent years, with Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Curtis Jones among the Kirkby graduates in Slot’s side.
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter at the weekend.
There could be further opportunities for Liverpool’s current youth players with a busy fixture schedule and an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Plymouth Argyle in a few weeks’ time. Ironically, Jurgen Klopp used a fixture against the Pilgrims to hand minutes to youngsters when the teams last met in 2017, with the German naming what was then the youngest-ever Liverpool XI.
For now, Slot’s concern is two huge Premier League games against Forest and Brentford this week. Six points could be vital for the team’s title ambitions, and would inflict damage on a possible challenger for top spot.
“I always said you can judge the table best halfway through the season and that moment is here now,” Slot said ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the City Ground. “If Forest is up there with us, with Arsenal, Chelsea, [Manchester] City and all the others then they definitely are a team that is in competition with us and with the other teams.
“They deserved to be treated like this if you look at the way they play, if you look at their performances and results. It is going to be a very difficult challenge tomorrow to get a result.”