There are a lot of intriguing prospects in and around the Liverpool first-team right now. Many of them are defenders, with the likes of Joe Gomez and Joe Maguire holding their own on our pre-season tour of the Far East.
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In the list below, we profile five young Reds’ who will be hoping to make their mark this coming season and discuss where and when they might get an opportunity to prove themselves.
5) Daniel Cleary
The centre-back was a surprise inclusion on this summer’s tour, after impressing with the reserves last season. The 19-year-old will no doubt be an integral part of the Under-21 side next season, but might be hoping for a couple of cup games as well. He’s a Republic of Ireland youth team international and is described on our official website as a gifted ball player. He plays the possession football Rodgers likes and is certainly one to watch.
4) Joe Maguire
The left-back has featured in both our pre-season games thus far, starting against the Thai All-Stars and coming on as a substitute against Brisbane Roar. His presence on the trip could mark the end of Jose Enrique’s time at Liverpool, although there has been no news yet on his future. Maguire will provide back-up for Alberto Moreno and Joe Gomez in the absence of the injured Jon Flanagan, and will also feature for the Under-21 side.
3) Andre Wisdom
There was a lot of enthusiasm surrounding Wisdom when he made his first-team breakthrough a couple of years ago. We’ve barely seen him in the last two years, with the 22-year-old having spent time at Derby Country and West Brom, but he did enough to earn a new contract this summer. Considering his age, this is likely to be a make or break season for him, although he’ll likely have to wait on Nathaniel Clyne to get a chance in the first-team.
2) Tiago Ilori
Another 22-year-old facing an important season. Despite his fine performance in the European Under-21 Championships this summer, his prospects won’t be helped by his absence from the pre-season tour, which could have been an opportunity for him to really make his mark. With Skrtel, Sakho, Lovren and Toure all ahead of him in the pecking order, and Wisdom and Gomez capable of covering, a loan deal is likely for the Portuguese man.
1) Joe Gomez
The 18-year-old has already made giant strides since his move from Charlton and now looks unlikely to be loaned out next season. His versatility – he can play on either side or in the middle of defence – is a big plus point, and something that is likely to mean he’ll always be in and around the match-day squad next season. If he continues to impress as he has been, he might even be eyeing up Alberto Moreno’s spot in the team for the Stoke City game.
