Ranking 4 Liverpool Academy graduates to break into the first-team this season

Liverpool undoubtedly boast one of the world’s best academies, with countless youngsters breaking into the first team and shining over the years.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is certainly the poster boy in that area among the current squad, with icons such as Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman making that same journey many moons ago.

The likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have all been flying the academy graduate banner this season, with all three enjoying hugely impressive campaigns.

But given the injury issues faced by Jurgen Klopp’s side, they have been joined by several other young stars this season.

We rank four academy graduates who have all played important roles under Klopp in the various competitions that the Reds have taken part in.

4. Luke Chambers - LB

The versatile Chambers - who can play centre-back, left-back and central midfield - was handed plenty of minutes in the Merseyside club’s successful Europa League group stage campaign, with three of his four senior appearances coming in the competition.

But his other arrived on his competitive Liverpool debut in a League Cup clash with Leicester City, with the 19-year-old certainly heading for a bright future after impressing on loan at Wigan Athletic in the second part of the season.

His positional versatility is a weapon that the incoming coaching staff could work with in the future.

3. James McConnell - CDM

Another 19-year-old heading in the right direction is McConnell, who is approaching double figures for senior appearances, having also gained crucial Europa League experience this season.

But he additionally starred in the FA Cup and more importantly in the League Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley, with the central midfielder key to the extra-time win over the Blues.

His tenacity in the midfield flashed on multiple occasions. He did not look out of place at all and could challenge with Stefan Bajčetić for the future Liverpool defensive midfield role.

2. Jayden Danns - ST

Another Academy graduate to star in that famous Wembley win was striker Danns, with the 18-year-old helping Klopp out amid a major injury crisis.

But the teenage sensation, who has made five senior appearances, saved his best for the FA Cup fifth round meeting with Southampton, where he scored twice in a 27-minute cameo. He was perhaps the most encouraging as the Reds could use a youth injection into their attack.

You should not be surprised if Danns makes more regular appearances for the 1st team throughout next season.

1. Bobby Clark - CM

Sitting at top of the pile is, however, central midfielder Clark, who did make his senior breakthrough in the previous campaign, but has come on leaps and bounds this time around.

With 12 senior appearances made before his current season was cut short by injury, the 19-year-old is well on his way to becoming an important first-team player, with Clark effortlessly slotting into the Liverpool midfield in recent times.

Exciting winger Ben Doak would have more than likely been out on his own at the top of the rankings, but the attacker has missed the majority of the season with a knee injury.

For his worth, Clark has a technical skill on the ball that could very much suit the Arne Slot system.