Liverpool labored throughout most of this past season. They turned things around at the just about the right time as they made a late push for the Top 4. Ultimately, a 5th place finish saw many players disappointed with their performances. We have turned the page and look to a few players that can take the next step in the new season. Here we go.
STEFAN BAJCETIC:
One of the few bright spots last year was the emergence of the young Spaniard at the heart of the midfield. With Fabinho showing a severe drop in form and confidence, Jurgen Klopp was desperate to find someone who could fill the defensive midfield pivot.
Bajectic had made a handful of 1st team appearances before the World Cup, but he really burst on the scene after January. He scored off the bench against Aston Villa which would begin an 11 match run where he was a staple in the Starting XI playing well above expectations and with a maturity that belied his years. Injury cut his breakout campaign short.
Looking ahead to the new season, Liverpool are currently in the midst of a midfield overhaul, with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai signaling a changing of the guard.
However, with perhaps even one more midfield signing, one would think the youngster is sliding further away from the first team. However, the departures of Milner, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain means there are still plenty of opportunities to step into the first tem.
A full pre-season with the top squad will only do good for Bajectic. His calmness and vision on the field is already at a very high level, and working with technicians like Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will only elevate this part of his game.
If he can stay healthy and play in at least 30 games in all competitions, Liverpool could see an immense return on their 225,00 GBP investment.
DARWIN NUNEZ:
The electrifying Uruguayan arrived last summer amid great fanfare and a bit of apprehension from some. His big-money move from Portuguese giants Benfica, saw him take a step up in competition as Klopp was beginning to rework his aging attack.
Club legend Sadio Mane had departed for Bayern Munich and there was a massive hole to fill up front. I think part of the problem with this situation was Nunez was never going to be a like-for-like replacement for the Senegalese star.
As it were, with Erling Haaland arriving at Manchester City in the same window, Nunez was expected to hit the ground running. Nunez got off to a dream start on Matchday 1 when he scored and recorded an assist in the opening day draw with Fulham.
It was an electric start to his career and gave fans huge hopes he would kick on from there. Unfortunately, a brash red card in the second match against Crystal Palace saw his momentum stopped before it could really get going. From there, it became a stop-start campaign.
There were moments of brilliance and hints of his explosive abilities throughout, but he could just never string together consistent performances. He was constantly in dangerous areas, but his finishing left a lot to be desired.
Even so, he finished his first year at Anfield with 15 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. A decent return, but short of expectations.
A big reason for hope is a look at his time with Benfica. His first season with the Benfica Senior team saw him bag 14 goals in all competitions. This was followed by the 34 goal explosion that earned him his move to Anfield.
I see a lot of similarities from that to this situation. He should be much more comfortable at the club, and while his work rate has never been in question, he was also a bit unlucky in front of goal last year. I think that could change. Even with Luis Diaz now healthy and Cody Gakpo thriving, Nunez brings an explosion to the field that they cannot match.
With enough consistent playing time, I think he should step up and comfortably surpass the 20 goal threshold.
CONOR BRADLEY:
Calvin Ramsay was purchased from Aberdeen last year with the intent he would become an understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Unfortunately, he was hit with the injury bug early and it never left the young Scot.
With Ramsay now having agreed to a loan move to Preston for the coming season, there appears to be a hole behind TAA. Insert the young Northern Irishman, Conor Bradley.
Bradley is coming off of a scintillating season with Bolton in the English League 1. Bradley made 51 appearances scoring 7 goals and setting up a further 6. Those are very good numbers for any fullback, let alone a youngster in the slog of League 1 football.
Liverpool have not been particularly linked with a new right back, which should mean Bradley will have at least the full pre-season to prove he should be kept around for the long haul. If Klopp wants Alexander-Arnold to continue his hybrid role, Bradley could be the perfect complement to come on late in matches or start in the domestic cups.
The 19 year old has lots of potential, but it has not been tested at the highest level. The jump from League 1 to the Premier League is enormous, but just being around the first team would have countless positive effects on Bradley and his ability to take the next step.
Let’s see if he can take the opportunity and run with it.