Arne Slot calls 'class' 18-year-old Liverpool prospect into first-team training ahead of Crystal Palace
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Arne Slot highlighted the potential of young centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye on Thursday after calling the teenager up to senior Liverpool training.Ndiaye was signed in January as part of the Reds’ push to bolster their defensive prospects, and is being seen by some as a possible future first-teamer.The 18-year-old took the first step towards that this week after being spotted in training ahead of Liverpool‘s clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday. What’s your score prediction for Liverpool vs Crystal Palace? 🔮 A tough game for the Reds in recent times…Credit: Dan Istitene/Getty Images Ndiaye boosts Slot’s defensive optionsLiverpool’s lack of quality in depth at centre-back has been highlighted alarmingly this season, with Giovanni Leoni’s injury and Joe Gomez’s patchy fitness record leading to Slot over-playing Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.Though the two regulars will be expected to go again on Saturday, Ndiaye’s presence in training does offer an intriguing insight into how Slot views the pecking order.Gomez was back after a one-game absence to offer a boost in that sense, but though Amara Nallo was named on the bench during last week’s match with PSG, he was not spotted during Thursday’s session.Instead, Ndiaye took his place with the Liverpool squad, and as Slot looks at his options for Saturday, the Senegalese could be in-line behind Van Dijk, Konate and Gomez.
Ndiaye has been described as ‘absolute class‘ by U21s manager Rob Page for his quick adaptation at Liverpool, and the future certainly looks bright for him. Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Fresh Alisson injury update given as potential return date set ahead of Liverpool vs Crystal PalaceWill Wright steps up to first-team trainingNdiaye was not the only young player involved in Thursday’s session, with Slot seemingly listening to calls for him to involve more of the Liverpool academy on a regular basis.As usual, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni were both present, while Kieran Morrison continued his ascent towards bona fide first-team status with another appearance.Along with Ndiaye, it was interesting to see Will Wright step up as well.Wright could be an option for Slot as his forward options continue to dwindle, with the 18-year-old in excellent form for the academy.A pure striker, Wright could offer an alternative to Alexander Isak while Hugo Ekitike and Jayden Danns remain sidelined.
He took part on Thursday, and though he may not be included in Saturday’s matchday squad, he is clearly in Slot’s thinking ahead of the run-in.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox