Liverpool might be going big in the transfer window but they are not afraid to give their youth a chance to prove themselves.

Although Jurgen Klopp made some big signings throughout his tenure, he was always keen to give some of the academy stars minutes on the pitch.

Arne Slot, however, had a slightly different approach and he tended to have a more settled starting XI, with some of the kids perhaps not getting as many chances as they would have liked.

But, if they are good enough, they will get a shot to shine, especially in the cup competitions, although they will need to seriously impress the Dutchman.

Arne Slot to provide Liverpool youngster ‘Endo-type’ role next season	Liverpool told whether they'll get a discount on 'devastating' striker as player swap mooted - journalist	Arne Slot tells Liverpool youngster he ‘could be on par with Wataru Endo’

One youngster in particular has caught the eye of his boss and after discussing his future, Slot has told him that he will have a big role to play for Liverpool next season.

Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

The midfield is one of the most competitive areas on the pitch for the Reds and to break into the team, you will have to displace some serious stars.

The holding-midfield position might be the hardest of them all as dislodging Ryan Gravenberch is near-impossible after the stellar season he enjoyed last time out, although an understudy could be viable.

Of course, Liverpool have Wataru Endo for that but according to journalist Lewis Steele, youngster James McConnell could become the second-in-command after a meeting with Slot earlier this year.

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He reported that the 20-year-old could be on par with the Japanese international in terms of squad role in the next year, with his manager a huge admirer of his work.

Endo is still expected to stay at Liverpool and his versatility means he can also play in defence, but it looks as if McConnell will not be going out on loan and could get some regular minutes.

It is certainly a big task for the young man, made harder by the fact the Reds have the pressure of defending the Premier League title, but Slot does not give many opportunities to kids so it suggests he is more than capable of stepping up.

As mentioned, Slot has a preferred line-up so if a player gets the chance, they have to take it, and that is exactly what McConnell did in the Champions League earlier this season.

With the Reds already through, Slot heavily rotated his side for their final game against PSV, and despite losing, the 20-year-old excelled in the middle of the park.

In fact, he was so impressive that he was labelled as ‘absolutely superb’ by journalist David Lynch as he won the most tackles on the pitch and showed flashes of Gravenberch in his performance.

Playing a one-off game on one of the biggest stages of them all is certainly a lot different to playing more regularly, but with the Dutchman needing more of a rest next season, McConnell looks like he will be the man tasked with filling in for him.


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