Ranking Liverpool’s pre-season youngsters from least to most impressive as Reds return home from US
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Will Wright: 67 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assistsWill Wright got much more of a look-in than Sonni-Lambie up front, even starting Liverpool’s first game under Iraola against Sunderland.However, the 18-year-old did not look like a player ready for senior football, as he failed to get to grips with the pace of the two games he featured in. That he was left on the bench during Sunday’s defeat against Leeds was telling, and though he will likely be around the remaining fixtures, he looks more like a candidate to go out on loan than to play a part under Iraola this season.8.
Josh Abe: 68 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assistsThere was plenty of excitement about the prospect of watching Josh Abe this summer after he surprisingly signed a new contract to stay at Liverpool amid interest from elsewhere.There were certainly flashes from the 16-year-old, who started – and could have scored within the opening minutes – against Wrexham, but he mostly looked like what he is: an exceptionally young player who needs a slow introduction to men’s football. The 18-year-old was superb alongside Ifeanyi Nudkwe, and Liverpool’s shortness at the back – and Ndukwe needing to go out on loan – looked like propelling him into the first-team.However, Ndiaye was only given 14 minutes against Wrexham, with Luke Chambers taking his place, and his arrival on the pitch against Leeds coincided with the Reds letting in three goals.
Kieran Morrison: 190 minutes, 1 goal, 0 assistsKieran Morrison headed into this pre-season ready to explode, and the 19-year-old largely did well.Scoring the first goal of the Iraola reign was a great way to kick things off, and though he did fade in and out of games to a degree, Morrison should still be pleased with his summer’s work so far.67 minutes against Leeds on Sunday shows that Iraola has been impressed by the Northern Ireland international, and while he could leave on loan, there is still a potential place in the first-team for Morrison, especially if Liverpool do not sign a left-footed forward. He is a little raw, and there’s lots to work on, but if he was to stay at Liverpool he would surely provide another senior option for Iraola.If there is a way the Reds can fast-track his work permit then they really need to be looking into that, because Ndukwe has proven that he can be a player for now and for the future.