Generation
KLOPP KIDS TOPS SAYS MAC
STEVE McMANAMAN reckons Jurgen Klopp’s young guns can make their mark next season.
Liverpool finally lifted the Premier League trophy in July after the campaign was derailed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who featured in every league game, was one of the standout performers and the local lad bagged the 2019-20 Young Player of the Season award.
The right-back progressed through the youth ranks at Liverpool and has established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position.
And former Kop star McManaman is convinced that there’s another crop of starlets ready to prove their worth to the first team next season.
“There are kids in the academy who are doing well and could step forward,” he said.
“One or two can certainly be integrated into the first team.
“You can accommodate two in certain matches but you still need to keep the nucleus of proper first-team players if you are going to win the Champions League and Premier League.
“Curtis Jones has been brilliant and so has Neco Williams.
“I’d love to see them involved. I hope that’s the next step.”
Ongoing issues surrounding Covid-19 mean this transfer window is set to be like nothing that’s gone before.
But after Liverpool finished 18 points clear of Manchester
City, Pep Guardiola has already started splashing the cash.
The Spaniard handed over £40million to bring in Nathan Ake from relegated Bournemouth, while Ferran Torres was also acquired for £20m from Valencia.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have spent relatively modestly – bringing in left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas from Olympiakos for £11.75m.
McManaman (below) has warned his former club that more arrivals will be required if they want to retain their title, though.
“It’s very uncertain times financially,” he added.
“But if you are losing players like Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana you also need to bring in some experience.
“I would ideally prefer a slightly bigger squad. And, the way they play, another great forward would be useful.”
Premier League clubs have been looking for value in the European market, with Chelsea bringing in Timo Werner and in talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen youngster Kai Havertz.
Manchester United are also in the hunt for Dortmund and England star Jadon Sancho. But McManaman, who won two La Liga titles with Real Madrid, says the Premier League isn’t the be-all and end-all for Europe’s best youngsters.
“For Sancho and Havertz I’d let them play in Germany and establish themselves a bit more,” he said. “And in Sancho’s case, he’s still got a chance to win titles with Dortmund. I’d encourage him to stay in the Bundesliga if he’s still happy.”