26 September 2023 , 17:44
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Jurgen Klopp is likely to make wholesale changes to his Liverpool line up once more as they make their Carabao Cup bow against Leicester on Wednesday.
But while that will offer opportunities once more to the likes of rising stars Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, Stefan Bajcetic and new signing Ryan Gravenberch, the Reds manager isn't just handing out debuts for the sake of it.
Instead, his Anfield assistant boss Pep Lijnders is adamant the opportunities arrive because the young players have earned them - and deserve the chance to develop into top stars.
"Of course we will make changes, but we are not here just to give debuts. We are here as well to develop, so it's debut and develop. We need to use hunger, we need to use the boys who really want to show,” he explained.
“So, take Ben Doak, or Stefan Bajcetic…what I am trying to say is that we are really focused as well to develop these boys and they need games. They need proper games.”
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Doak is one of the most exciting talents to emerge at Anfield since Trent Alexander-Arnold came through the youth ranks. He is seen as a potential long-term successor to Mo Salah, while it is no exaggeration to suggest Bajcetic is seen as a long term Spain midfielder.
And Netherlands native Ljinders, who plays an important role in developing the young players in Klopp’s squad, believes 17-year-old Doak has a hint of the talent of the old Dutch masters.
Ben Doak could have a major impact at Liverpool this season (Getty Images)“I had the privilege to grow up in Holland, so we have a long tactical culture of Johan Cruyff. They always said the most special players are the wingers on the outside, who can create,” he explained.
“We have that culture of wingers who can really use one-on-one to disorganise the opposition, to have this speed. Overmars, Arjen Robben, this kind of player, and (before them) Johnny Rep, Rob Rensenbrink, so we have this culture of wingers.
“And then if you get a young winger from Scotland that's only 17 years old and has this capacity to create and to reach the final line with the individual skill or individual movements, it's good to see.” Alexander-Arnold is back in training, and could be on the bench against Leicester, while Klopp may again make 11 midweek changes.