Liverpool are set to include a number of Academy players in their squad for the upcoming US tour, as several first-team stars remain on extended breaks following the World Cup. Head coach Andoni Iraola will use the three-match tour to evaluate the club's young talents in a first-team environment.
Academy Prospects Eye US Opportunity
The most notable name among the youngsters is 15-year-old winger Josh Abe, who made his under-18 debut last season and attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United before committing to Liverpool. Abe scored eight goals in 10 U18 Premier League North appearances before a knee injury ended his campaign in March. He has now recovered and is training with the first team.
Other Academy players involved in first-team training this week include centre-backs Ifeanyi Ndukwe, signed from Austria Vienna this month, and Mor Talla Ndiaye, a January arrival from Senegal who was on the bench for the senior team late last season. Midfielder Tommy Pilling, 21, has also been training with Iraola's squad.
Forward Options and Loan Returnees
With a shortage of senior forwards, 19-year-old Kieran Morrison is expected to feature. He made two first-team appearances last season and earned a full debut for Northern Ireland before signing a new contract. Striker Will Wright, 18, ended the Premier League 2 season strongly after long-term injury and was named among the first-team substitutes four times. Academy forwards Keyrol Figueroa and Josh Sonni-Lambie have also been training with the seniors.
Several players who spent last season on loan but have previous first-team experience are also in contention. James McConnell has recovered from a shoulder injury suffered during his loan at Ajax, Lewis Koumas helped Hull City to promotion after a spell at Birmingham City, and Calum Scanlon returns from a loan at Cardiff City. Right-back Calvin Ramsay, who has struggled for senior minutes in recent seasons, could also feature.
Tour Context
The US tour comes as Liverpool's World Cup participants, including Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz, remain on break after the World Cup final in New York. The squad will depart for Chicago on Monday. Academy players not selected for the tour played friendlies on Saturday, with the U21s drawing 1-1 with Vauxhall Motors and the U18s losing 2-0 to Crewe Alexandra.
