While it is not the illustrious Champions League, Liverpool are still in Europe this year as they will attempt to win the Europa League. There are some players that could use the Thursday stage to elevate their Reds careers. Let’s go through a few of them.
Curtis Jones – Jones was one of the best players for Jurgen Klopp at the close of last season. He parlayed this strong form into a highly successful U-21 European Championship.
However, since then he has struggled with injury. He started the win away to Wolves but he has not regained his highest level. The Europa League stage could be just what he needs to kick start his 2023-24 campaign.
Ben Doak – The exiting young Scot has flashed some of his sky high potential in limited capacities this term. However, the Europa competition could allow him to get a proper run out and show how much he has developed his game.
If Klopp sees him as a future on the right wing, this could be the first test of his credentials. Bag a few goals or create some for others and Doak could see his chances elsewhere also increase.
Stefan Bajcetic – The young Spaniard has not featured this season as he continues to recover from the injury he suffered in February. Prior to that, he was taking the world by storm as his play at the defensive midfield spot belied his youth and top flight inexperience.
While he is listed on the “B” squad at the moment, this could be a competition that he shows he has not lost any of the bite he had. The short turnarounds between Thursday matches to Sunday could mean Klopp rotates the lineup a lot and Stefan could benefit.
Ryan Gravenberch – The newly acquired Dutchman came on as a late sub against Wolves to mark his debut for the club. He is viewed as one of the future key pieces in midfield and his style is well suited to European action.
Klopp has chosen a strong squad for the Europa League so Gravenberch will have plenty of challengers for a place in the Starting XI.
However, if he can have a big impact on this stage, that would set a good foundation for the rest of his debut campaign.
Honorable Mentions – Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Bobby Clark and Darwin Nunez.
It’s not the continental competition we wanted to be in, but it is still a prestigious trophy up for grabs that will allow for more match experience and different challenges to the squad.
Those could be invaluable as we continue to morph into the next version of Liverpool. Let’s hope this Europa League run is a long successful trip. The names above will certainly play their role.