Given Liverpool’s strength in depth as Jurgen Klopp’s side continue to chase an unprecedented quadruple, it’s easy to forget it was only a few months ago when his midfield was down to its bare bones.
The numbers available to the German now mean Harvey Elliott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain haven’t played since the FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in March, with the duo often failing to even make the matchday squad if Liverpool are injury-free.
Of course it was a different story during the first half of the season when Tyler Morton was fast-tracked to the first team as autumn turned to winter, with the 19-year-old making nine appearances, starting in both the Premier League and Champions League as Klopp was forced to contend with limited numbers.
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A regular in the matchday squad for a significant portion of this season, as Liverpool’s injuries dried up, so too did Morton’s opportunities. The midfielder has played for the first team just twice in 2022, with his last outing under Klopp coming as a substitute in the FA Cup against Norwich City in early March, while he hasn’t been in a Premier League matchday squad since January.
And while he might have found himself back in familiar surroundings with the Under-23s in recent months, it’s clear how he benefited from such senior exposure.
Morton was one of the standout performers for the young Reds on Wednesday night as they beat Burnley 1-0 in the final of the Lancashire FA Senior Cup. Dictating play in the middle of the park along with Leighton Clarkson, the teenager was simply a step ahead of the Clarets with his passing in midfield making it all look a little bit too easy.
Having enjoyed that senior step-up, he will no doubt be hopeful of being involved with Klopp’s ranks when Liverpool report for pre-season in the summer. And considering the question marks over the futures of the likes of James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, further opportunities could arise.
But if not, Morton is at that curious stage of his development where the Reds must weigh up whether or not the midfielder would benefit from a loan or if Under-23s football and training the first team is enough to take that next step.
Full-backs for fun
Liverpool’s academy has certainly struck gold when it comes to producing full-backs in recent years, with Trent Alexander-Arnold their prize gem. But the Scouser in the team isn’t the only promising youngster to emerge in such a position.
Neco Williams might have found game-time limited at Anfield behind the England international, but he has flourished both on the international stage for Wales and on loan at Fulham, helping the Cottagers win promotion to the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley has caught the eye for the Under-23s this year, having been awarded a Northern Ireland debut 12 months ago before breaking into Klopp’s first team this season.
Elsewhere, Ki-Jana Hoever had his admirers before being sold to Wolves at the start of last season, with Alexander-Arnold’s presence ultimately making competition tough for any young right-backs to continue their journey at Anfield beyond a certain point.
Of course it is a similar story on the opposite flank with Andy Robertson the undisputed first-choice and Kostas Tsimikas finding game-time limited as a result. Yet, like how Bradley has been blooded this season, Klopp has still been able to give Owen Beck, nephew of Reds legend Ian Rush, a couple of appearances.
While the 19-year-old might not have featured as much as Bradley at right-back, he has also impressed for the Under-23s this season. And his presence has prompted a change of role for fellow full-back James Norris.
Norris became the the fourth-youngest player in the club's history when handed his debut in that infamous 5-0 defeat to Aston Villa in the League Cup back in 2019, while he made his first appearance under Klopp against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup this season.
Yet despite primarily being a left-back, he has impressed further upfield this season when showing his versatility by playing in midfield or in a front three. And it was in this attacking role on the left from which he caught the eye against Burnley.
The teenager scored the winner a stunning volley from the edge of the box, and only grew in confidence after that as he continued to create opportunities for his team-mates with accurate crosses and cutbacks. And in truth, he was the player who looked most likely to add to the scoring.
Yet he is something different to what you would see in Klopp’s first team, being a left-footer playing on the left-wing as opposed to the German’s traditional inverted forwards. Whether he remains as a winger in the future remains to be seen, but it was from such a moment that he produced the deciding goal in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final.
And while it might not be a long-term role for Norris, his versatility will at least aid his efforts to impress Klopp and stake a claim for senior involvement in pre-season as he looks to add to those maiden appearances.
Spot of bother
Having missed a penalty against Manchester United on Sunday, Clarkson again stepped up against Burnley after Jack Bearne was tripped in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final.
But like against the Red Devils, the midfielder’s effort was saved with goalkeeper Waller guessing correctly by diving to his right. Fortunately for Liverpool, that wasn’t the only trait to repeat itself.
Moments after being denied against United, Clarkson claimed an assist to restore the Reds’ lead when Rhys Williams headed home his corner. Against Burnley, while his initial set-piece was headed clear, Norris was on hand to volley home the decisive goal.
In truth, neither penalty was a particularly poor effort but a penny for the midfielder’s thoughts to have been denied twice in successive games. At least it didn’t faze him too much.
He remained one of the best players on the pitch, dictating play from midfield. But you would expect that from Clarkson, given he started the season in Lancashire when on loan at Blackburn Rovers.
Like many of his team-mates, while the Under-23s campaign is now over, he’ll be on standby in case Klopp’s first team needs him as they chase a quadruple, before hoping to stake his claim in pre-season. And while he might not have gotten on the scoresheet against Burnley or United, Clarkson has still been crucial to Barry Lewtas’ side’s superb form in 2022 which has seen them lose just once and now win a trophy of their own.
But perhaps practise those penalties in the summer, Leighton!
