Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

The ECHO dedicated Reds writers take a closer look.

READ MORE:Liverpool starlet weighing up options as loan and permanent deals consideredREAD MORE:Jeremie Frimpong opens up on decision to join Liverpool and details Arne Slot talks - 'They told me'

With Liverpool's loan stars set to return to their parent club in time for pre-season training, there will be one or two hoping to catch the eye of Arne Slot when the summer schedule begins in a little over a month's time.

And while players such as Stefan Bajcetic and Calvin Ramsay will be out to offer reminders of their own quality, it could be the returning Ben Doak with the biggest point to prove.

The young Scot enjoyed an excellent campaign with Middlesbrough and has been the subject of Premier League interest as a result, with Crystal Palace seeing a January bid turned down and now Everton also monitoring the situation.

Article continues below

Doak could see a forward line packed with experienced and senior internationals blocking his path but there could be something of an overhaul this summer in the frontline with Darwin Nunez likely to leave and Federico Chiesa's future still uncertain on Merseyside.

Diogo Jota did not enjoy his best season last time out and while there are no plans to sell Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo the subject of speculative and reported interest from Bayern Munich, could Doak profit from the chaos?

Jeremie Frimpong's versatility means Mohamed Salah's Africa Cup of Nations-enforced mid-season absence might not be as pronounced as first feared but Doak might also back himself to do a job for the team while the Egypt captain is in Morocco.

After all, Liverpool viewed him as one of the most exciting players in the Championship last season and would only entertain offers of around £30m in January.

The pre-season schedule might just offer up the former Celtic teenager the opportunity he likely craves for Arne Slot's champions, particularly if the rarely-used Chiesa moves on.

Arne Slot may have had no issue turning to Liverpool's Academy graduates for the knockout competitions this season, but a quick look at the successful Premier League campaign tells a different story.

Vitezslav Jaros played 11 minutes at Crystal Palace and Jayden Danns 10 minutes at home to Ipswich Town.

But the likes of Tyler Morton, James McConnell, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni weren't afforded a single second in the top flight.

Then there are the raft of loan players such as Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and Calvin Ramsay, all of whom have had first-team experience under previous boss Jurgen Klopp but appear to have fallen down the pecking order in recent times.

And a difficult season for both the under-21s and U18s highlights that, at present, very few players appear ready to make the step up to the senior team.

However, it could well be the Academy best serves Liverpool's first team by seeing players - such as Luca Stephenson, who has had an excellent season on loan at Dundee United - sold to generate funds that can be reinvested.

Ryan Gravenberch was one of the obvious stars of Liverpool's Premier League title-winning season as the Netherlands international emerged as a virtual ever-present at number six.

But with Wataru Endo seemingly not fully fancied by Arne Slot as a starter, few would disagree that the Reds could do with a natural alternative to the Dutchman - even if it is not a transfer priority this summer.

Perhaps this is where Stefan Bajcetic comes in.

And with the Dutchman suspended for the Premier League opener, Liverpool will need an alternative sooner than they'd like.

While the jury remains out on his long-term Reds prospects, the weeks and months ahead will go a long way to determining if Bajcetic is able to follow through on his early potential at Anfield.


For more news relating to Everton, visit our sister site EFC Live.