Ranking the 5 brightest futures of LFC players 21 and under

The 2023-24 season has been anything but straightforward for Liverpool Football Club. The biggest obstacle of course has the been the insane amount of injuries. However, in tough moments, opportunities arise.

Jurgen Klopp has been able to deploy a plethora of young players in his side during the season. In all, Liverpool Academy graduates have made 173 appearances in all competitions.

Not every hot prospect is going to blossom into a superstar, but some do. In this article I'm going to rank the 5 Liverpool youngsters I think have the best chance of "hitting".

5. Stefan Bajcetic (19) - CDM

The 19-year old Spanish defensive midfielder might have become the forgotten man in this argument as his campaign has been wrecked by injury. He has made two appearances all season and has not been able to capitalize on the momentum he built last term.

However, assuming he can regain and sustain future fitness, Bajcetic could quickly rise up these ranks. He was playing an assured brand of football in the No. 6 role.

His tactical knowhow belies a player of his tender years as well as his Endo-esque ferocity when he snaps into a challenge. He could be the heir apparent for the defensive mid spot post-Wataru.

4. Bobby Clark (19) - CM

It's another 19-year old on the list as Clark has been one of the Academy graduates to take his chances this season and run with them.

He has shown an ability to play an attacking brand of football or stay defensive as needed. His box-to-box versatility is something that should serve him well as his career continues to play out. He also plays with a confidence that makes you believe he belongs on the field with world class players.

He has a technical ability on the ball that allows him to dictate play when in possession. He has yet to look out of place whenever Klopp has called on him and I firmly believe he will turn into a very, very good footballer given the right opportunities.

3. Harvey Elliott (20) - AM/RW

Elliott is not quite the unproven commodities that the previous two names on this list are. Elliott has played 39 times for the Liverpool 1st team this season.

It feels like he has been around forever, but at 20-years old, he still has a long way to go. That's what happens when Liverpool signs you as a bright eyed 16-year old. He has only kicked on from there, even fighting back from a gruesome leg injury.

He has become one of the most consistent and readily available players this season. He can play in a midfield role or further up the pitch as needed. He has the tools to be a Swiss army knife for years to come at Anfield.

2. Conor Bradley (20) - RB

The 20-year old Northern Irishman has rightly been the talk of the town over the last few months for his outstanding performances in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He has fit seamlessly into the side as he brings an attacking threat on the wing that not all fullbacks have, especially not at his young age. This does not mean he has neglected his defensive duties however, as he has shown a great willingness to track back and cover himself or his teammates.

He has all the tools to become a World Class right-back. The biggest question right now might be how soon can Alexander-Arnold move to midfield? If these two are battling for playing time, it might hamper his growth, but not terribly. He's going to be a brilliant player for years.

1. Jarell Quansah (21) - CB

This might come as a slight surprise to have Quansah over Bradley on a list like this. However, something that Quansah has in his favor is I do believe he will have more freedom to grow in his central defender role.

In addition, he is being mentored by the best CB in the world, Virgil van Dijk. Quansah was thrust into the spotlight back in October when the aforementioned van Dijk was hit with a red card.

The Englishman has not looked back since. He plays with such a calm demeanor that he has appeared unflappable in any circumstance. At 21, he is already big and strong enough to handle the physicality of most forwards that he comes against.

His ability to play on the ball is also an underrated skill as he is one of the most accurate passers in the squad with a completion percentage of 89.9%. His future looks bright next to Ibou Konate.

Honorable mentions: Jayden Danns, James McConnell, Tyler Morton, Fabio Carvalho, Lewis Koumas