It has been the strangest of seasons for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.
From failing to seriously challenge for a trophy, to tumbling towards mid-table mediocrity, to the late charge that has suddenly revitalised hopes of Champions League qualification. But for all the talk of Klopp needing to spend big to revamp his squad this summer, one young star has broken through from within.
Teenage Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajcetic broke into the first team in November, duly scoring his first Premier League goal the following month. In February, a symbol of Klopp's faith came when he entrusted him to become the youngest Liverpool player (18 years and 122 days) to start in a Champions League knockout match against Real Madrid.
An adductor injury has since ended his season, but his mark at Anfield has been made. And now, Mirror Football looks at five candidates who could also save Klopp and FSG some funds this summer....
Marcelo Pitaluga
A Brazilian goalkeeper, with good feet, looking to slot into the Liverpool first team. Sound familiar?
In truth, the presence of Alisson makes that last notion a very unlikely one for Marcelo Pitaluga in 2023/24, but the former Fluminese man can have genuine aspirations of cementing himself as Klopp's No 2. With Caoimhin Kelleher tipped to move on and seek regular football this summer, and Adrian into the final weeks of his contract, Pitaluga appears in next in line.
A loan spell to Macclesfield this season was curtailed after 17 appearances due to an ankle injury, but the 20-year-old has been training with the senior squad and been involved during matchday warm-ups. The big question of course, is can he nod in last minute winners against West Brom?
Who do you think will be the next young star to break through at Liverpool ? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Bobby Clark
One thing Klopp doesn't perhaps have a dearth in is attacking talent, but amid much talk of a midfield revamp this summer, Clark's ability to play out wide and up front means his versatility could be key to first team opportunities.
The 17-year-old son of former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark made a substitute appearance in the 9-0 mauling of Bournemouth in August, and then impressed against Derby County in the League Cup in November, his only first team appearances to date. And he's supplemented those showings with impressive goalscoring form for the under 18s.
Having agreed a five-year contract in February 2022, Clark is clearly a youngster who Klopp sees a future force. Next season could be the one where he begins to blood him more regularly.
Luke Chambers
The 18-year-old left back already boasts something many of his compatriots at Anfield do not - an international tournament win with England.
Chambers was part of the side that won the UEFA Under 19 Championships last summer, and has gained experience via a loan spell at Kilmarnock. But the fact he can also play as a centre-back could boost his chances of breaking into Klopp's new-look formation.
His current system sees Andy Robertson deployed in a more conservative, left-sided centre back role. With the form of Kostas Tsimikas having been patchy this year, and Liverpool facing the distinct possibility of a campaign rebuilding in the Europa League, Chambers could be seen as the perfect deputy to the Scottish international.
Tyler Morton
20, midfielder.
No Jude Bellingham, no prob.....
Ok, perhaps you'll be hard pushed to find a Liverpool fan who agrees that 20-year-old Tyler Morton is an adequate replacement for one of the most sought after players on the planet - but he impressed on loan at Blackburn this season. And he's another to have been handed a long-term contract at Anfield.
The England under 20s international already has nine first team appearances to his name, and will have noted the confirmed exits of James Milner and Naby Keita at the end of this season. With Jordan Henderson also not getting any younger, Morton could be set to join some reinforcements in the mix for a midfield berth in 2023/24.
Ben Doak
He's only 17, but Ben Doak already has a League Cup and Premier League appearance under his belt. And expect many more to come.
Against Derby, he was one of the side's star performers in an eventual penalty shootout win, and has trained regularly with the first team since. And having already broken into the Scotland Under 21 set-up, the noise around the potential of the Dalry-born forward his growing louder.
Ironically, another youngster who may find his development boosted by Liverpool failing to qualify for the Champions League - and given his tender age a loan move may also be Klopp's favoured option. But you can put big money on Doak one day starting for the Reds in Europe's elite competition as well.
