Liverpool will return to pre-season training on Monday, with new manager Andoni Iraola overseeing his first session. While World Cup stars are absent, Iraola is familiar with many players, including Milos Kerkez from his Bournemouth days, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong, Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa. He is also keen to assess young talents like Rio Ngumoha and others from the academy.
Joshua Abe: A Rising Star
According to the Liverpool Echo, 15-year-old winger Joshua Abe could be one to watch during the pre-season tour in the United States. Abe, who doesn't turn 16 until July, signed a contract extension in early June, fending off interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea. The left-footed, right-sided winger scored eight goals in 10 Under-18s appearances last season and has been allocated squad number 40 for the upcoming campaign.
Paul Gorst, Liverpool FC correspondent, notes that Abe's contract is performance-based, incentivising his development. While the tour may not immediately propel him into the first team, it offers a crucial opportunity to gauge his potential under the spotlight.
Mor Talla Ndiaye: A Defensive Prospect
Another young talent is centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye, an 18-year-old signed from Senegalese side Amitie FC for £1m in January. Despite an early injury, Ndiaye impressed enough to be an unused substitute in matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, and Aston Villa at the end of last season. Mark Jones, Liverpool content editor, highlights that Iraola has a history of trusting young defenders, having developed Dean Huijsen and Iliya Zabarnyi at Bournemouth. Ndiaye is expected to feature for the Under-21s, but his presence could allow older prospects like Amara Nallo to go on loan for first-team experience.
Other Youngsters to Watch
Iraola will also monitor Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, the latter recovering from an ACL injury. The pre-season tour in America provides a platform for these emerging talents to make an impression, with the manager keen to integrate youth into his squad.
