The path from the academy to the first team at Liverpool is clear. Despite the Reds’ return to the Premier League’s upper echelons this season and a squad revamp during the summer transfer window, Jurgen Klopp has demonstrated that there are still opportunities for young players to break into his Reds set-up.
Ben Doak is the current face of the youth system. Given his remarkable progress since joining from Celtic in the summer of 2022, the 17-year-old winger is considered a first-team squad member.
Stefan Bajcetic is likewise on the cutting edge. He made 19 appearances last season and Klopp will see him as a midfield option if the Spaniard is out. Furthermore, Conor Bradley would have had a chance if he hadn’t sustained a stress fracture in his back during the preseason. Bobby Clark and Kaide Gordon are in the same boat.
Jarell Qunsah, Luke Chambers, Calum Scanlon, and James McConnell have all made their debuts this season. The foursome is expected to play again when Liverpool takes on Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday. Chambers made his entire debut in last week’s 5-1 Europa League triumph over Toulouse and might start against the Cherries again to give Kostas Tsimikas a rest in Andy Robertson’s absence due to injury. Quansah will also be looking for a chance in central defence.
With Luis Diaz expected to be absent again as his father’s rescue from captivity in Colombia continues, and Doak still likely sidelined with a muscle injury, Klopp could promote another member of Liverpool’s under-21s.
Mateusz Musialowski has been in excellent form for Barry Lewtas’ team this season. Last Sunday, the Polish attacker scored his fifth goal of the season in a 2-2 draw at Leeds United, finishing from the edge of the box. In his seven appearances, he’s also had two assists.
Musialowski, 17, joined Liverpool from SMS Lodz in 2020, with Arsenal, Ajax, and RB Leipzig all apparently interested. The youngster was dubbed the ‘Polish Messi’ in his birthplace.
Musialowski scored 12 goals in 25 games for Liverpool under-18s, helping them reach the FA Youth Cup final. The following season, he was once again lethal, scoring 10 goals in 26 games.
Musialowski, on the other hand, wasn’t as effective in the final third last season, scoring only twice in 18 games. Then, during the summer transfer window, there were reports in Poland that Musialowski was on his way out of Anfield. According to Sport.pl, Liverpool were happy for the 20-year-old to depart on a free transfer to Austrian side TSV Hartberg, but they wanted to include a sell-on clause in the agreement. However, it was said that the Reds changed their minds at the last minute and instead wanted a fee, causing the deal to fall through.
Nonetheless, Musialowski has remained a talismanic figure for the under-21s despite the failed transition. His versatility, which allows him to play in any of the front three positions, might see him enter Klopp’s thinking against Bournemouth.
Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah may be given rest, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may believe Diogo Jota should sit out the game in Diaz’s absence. Cody Gakpo is expected to start as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, while Harvey Elliott might play on the right wing rather than in midfield if Doak is unable to play.
This might open up one berth for Musialowski. He’s already demonstrated his ability to compete against senior opposition this season, scoring in EFL Trophy games against Morecambe and Blackpool.
