Liverpool are on the way to Hong Kong as they step up preparations ahead of the new season.

It has been an emotional and at times incredibly difficult summer for the Reds following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

But after getting back on the pitch for the first time against Preston recently, Liverpool are moving ahead with their pre-season calendar.

Tours can always give a good insight into where a manager’s head is at in regards to trying out a few new things with personnel and tactics.

Premier League side favourites to sign Arsenal and Liverpool hero on free transfer	Liverpool youngster rated highly by Arne Slot closes in on new long-term deal - after making last impression on Reds boss	Report: Arne Slot already told Hugo Ekitike what formation he's going to play him in at Liverpool next season

They can also highlight which young players are catching the eye before the real action gets underway.

At Liverpool, it has been clear that Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are the two starlets most impressing Arne Slot.

But having seen him named in the travelling party on Sunday, supporters should be getting more familiar with Luca Stephenson too.

Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Rewind one year to Slot’s first summer at Liverpool, and he clearly took a shine to Stephenson.

The then 20-year-old had not been around the first team before, but his performances on tour in the USA and back home against Sevilla at Anfield signalled the potential he has.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Stephenson was deemed ‘outstanding‘ during his subsequent loan to Dundee United, and having arrived back on Merseyside it is clear that Slot has not forgotten about him.

Although Stephenson played at right-back for much of last summer, and then in central midfield for Dundee, the 21-year-old was thrown in at centre-back against Preston.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans have lots to say about what happened during Sunday’s secret friendly against Stoke

Impressively, Stephenson did not look out of place at all next to Joe Gomez, and it is no surprise to see him named as one of only four ‘academy’ players in the squad which travelled to Hong Kong.

Ngumoha and Nyoni are obviously the standouts, while it is unlikely young goalkeeper Kornel Miscuir gets much of a look in.

But while other, bigger names are left behind, Stephenson is right in the mix.

While Slot clearly rates Stephenson and his versatility could really come in handy for Liverpool, it still seems unlikely that he has a long-term future with the Reds.

You never know, of course, and his performances throughout the last year suggest that he potentially deserves a chance.

But whether it’s at right-back, central midfield or even in central defence, there simply looks to be too much competition for Stephenson to make the necessary impact.

Another loan move could be the way forward, and the level of club the former Sunderland youngster could join has likely improved since this time last year.

But there is also a chance that Stephenson’s good performances have caught the eye of a permanent suitor, and it would be interesting to see what kind of fee Liverpool would ask for.

One thing is for sure, you don’t get in this Liverpool team unless you’re doing something very right, and Stephenson clearly is.